Overview

Harvard Law students interested in criminal justice issues may draw on the resources of the Criminal Law and Policy Program of Study. The aim of the Program of Study is to bring together, and provide guidance to, students interested in criminal justice, whether from an advocacy, policy-making, or academic perspective (or some combination of perspectives). All students interested in this area, either in contemplation of an eventual career in criminal justice or as a subject of academic study, are encouraged to take a broad range of both lecture courses and seminars in criminal law and procedure as well as clinical offerings. 

We particularly encourage students to seek to engage all perspectives on  criminal justice and to learn about both the prosecution and defense functions in the justice process. Even if you already identify yourself as defense or prosecution oriented, law school is an opportunity to study and learn about all aspects of the criminal justice process. Regardless of where you end up, this broad  study will make you a better lawyer.