Course Information

738.04 - Justice for Children Practicum

Professor: Thayne Gray
Semester: 2011 Winter

Second Writing Requirement? Yes
Seminar? No
Professional Responsibility? No
Prerequisites: Ohio Legal Intern Certificate
Special Notes: Students enrolling in the Justice for Children Practicum will be expected to attend one Friday class session.

Course Description

This course examines the substantive and procedural rights of children in a variety of legal contexts. Third-year law students, certified as legal interns by the Ohio Supreme Court, each represent at least one juvenile client under faculty supervision in a juvenile delinquency case. Students will also represent other juvenile clients in the context of abuse, neglect or dependency proceedings, appeals of terminations of parental rights, and/or affirmative applications for legal immigration status. Special attention is given to the constitutional, jurisprudential, and statutory foundations of children’s rights and to the practical value of such rights in improving the lives of children.

Students are responsible for all aspects of a client representation, including client meetings, pre-trial hearings, motions hearings, trial and any appellate work. Classroom time is utilized to hone lawyering skills within a substantive context while developing an approach to the thoughtful and ethical practice of law. This course is required for students who seek the certificate in Children Studies.

The course materials listed above are for informational purposes only and should not be considered final. Students must check with the Registrar for a current list of closed courses.