We will examine 10 to 15 criminal cases and what they reveal about the justness of criminal justice. Cases will range from a sadomasochistic murder to a violation of HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act). They will be drawn from the study leader’s own practice, public records, classic literature, and the movies.

We will discuss, among other topics, the justice and the scope of: society’s right to lock up people for many years, attempt liability, self-defense (including “stand your ground”), plea bargaining, eye witness identifications, police interrogation, and the exclusionary rule. Is the system biased for or against the accused? Is it permissible for the prosecutor to mislead the jury? For defense counsel?