Criminal Law

An understanding of criminal law is crucial for any future attorney, but for aspiring prosecutors and defense attorneys, Penn State Law offers classroom and clinical work—including through the Indigent Criminal Justice Practicum—that opens doors to law firms and district attorney and public defender offices. 

Students may earn Concentration recognition in Criminal Law using courses from the Selected Courses section below.  J.D. students must earn a minimum of 12 credits and LL.M. students a minimum of 9 credits.  A minimum grade of ‘C’ is required for each course being used toward this Concentration. Upon verification of completion, students will receive a document of recognition.

Declare your intent to complete this Concentration - Concentration Declaration Application 

Criminal Law Faculty

Courses:

• Advanced Criminal Procedure
• AI and the Law
• Criminal Law (LLMs Only)
• Criminal Procedure (LLMs Only)
• Cybercrime Seminar
• Electronic Evidence Seminar
• Evidence
• Federal Court Practice
• Federal Crimes 
• International Criminal Law
• Law of the Police Seminar
• Policy Issues in Corporate Crime Seminar
• Trial Advocacy
• White-Collar Crime

Clinics:

• Criminal Appellate and Post-Conviction Services Clinic
• Indigent Criminal Justice Trial Clinic

Additional Experiential Opportunities:

• Externships*
• Externships Everywhere* 
• Semester in Washington*

*Associate Dean for Academic Affairs approval reqruied: Will count towards the concentration if the work is related to the concentration.