Is a Criminal Law Degree Really Like in the Movies?

A criminal law degree program teaches and develops your skills in:

Prosecuting/Defending persons charged with crime
Negotiating
Investigating
Counseling
Litigation matters

If you think you would like to represent the State or individuals in a wide range of crimes, if you are able to deal with people during the most stressful time in their life, if you don’t mind carrying extremely large case loads and working in an overtaxed system then a criminal law degree may be just for you.

But beware, real life is usually very different then the movies!

Criminal Law Degree Courses

As a criminal lawyer you would deal with crimes that are felonies or more serious offenses as well as misdemeanors, less serious offenses. In most cases, felonies are punished by imprisonment of a year or more while misdemeanors are punished by less than a year.

During your training you will learn the basics of criminal law, criminal statutes, criminal law procedures, criminal law and courts, structure of federal, state and local criminal courts, law of crimes and defenses, trial procedures, purpose of punishment and the death penalty, procedural law surrounding detention, appellate procedures, trial advocacy, trial, sentencing and post conviction matters as well as procedures related to investigations, stops, searches, seizures, arrests, and interrogations.

Careers with a Criminal Law Degree

To succeed in this profession you have to think on your feet, make convincing presentations and negotiate skillfully. Much of your time will be spent in court, thus you must be willing to speak in front of a large audience and express your ideas clearly.

As a criminal lawyer you could work for governmental agencies, at the federal, state or local level or in small or single private practices. With this degree you could work as a prosecutor, on the defense side, or in a private practice firm. You could further specialize in the juvenile justice system, narcotics, special prosecutions as well as investigations and administrative services.

Use your time in law school wisely. Don’t be driven by the portrayal of lawyers in the movies. Get your own hands on experience, observe what real life criminal lawyers do on a daily basis and then determine if it’s for you.

Often times, the most learning occurs outside of classroom, in summer internships or clinical placements. You will find that an internship may cement your desire to enter the field of criminal law, or it may open your eyes to new possibilities.

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