Clinic Practice: The United States Supreme Court

4 Credit Hours

The goal of the Clinic will be to provide a thorough working knowledge of the Court, its unique procedures and the types of cases that attract the Court's attention and the kinds of arguments that can capture the votes of a majority of the Justices. Clinic projects will include: (1) researching and drafting merits briefs to be filed with the Court; (2) researching and drafting amicus curiae briefs at the merits and petition stages; (3) participating in moot courts for cases to be argued during the Term; (4) researching and drafting petitions for writs of certiorari; (5) researching and identifying issues and cases that are worthy of petitions for certiorari. While the particular mix of projects will be subject to timing and availability, students can expect ample opportunity to engage in each of the various types of projects over the entire year. Please note that as a specialized appellate practice, the Clinic most frequently operates as an adjunct attorney; therefore, students should not expect direct client contact. The value of the Clinic lies in the researching, crafting, and preparing of briefs at the highest level possible.