LAW 599 - Representing Vulnerable Populations in Criminal Defense

Some of the greatest challenges in representing people accused of crimes come from outside the legal system. This course explores the difficulties of representing uniquely vulnerable populations of criminal defendants. Some of these vulnerabilities include serious mental illness, substance use disorder, indigency, homelessness, and undocumented immigration status. We will seek to gain a broader perspective on these challenges and how they intersect with criminal law. We will also explore some of the Virginia statutory framework involved in these topics, as well as specialty dockets like Drug Court and Behavioral Health Dockets. The course is taught by a dedicated public defender with more than a decade of experience. There will be no exam; students will be graded on in-class participation and preparation of a mock strategy of representation for hypothetical clients.