Criminal law, also referred to as penal law, is the study of the laws of numerous jurisdictions which, when violated, result in some form of punishment. Generally, it is some level of government that prosecutes individuals for failing to comply with laws.Unlike civil law, which primarily deals with disputes between individuals, criminal law involves cases where an individual has transgressed a law severe enough to warrant incarceration or death. For example, if an individual kills someone in the course of committing a rivalry robbery then that person would be charged with two criminal acts: the killing of another person and the robbery. Under criminal law the prosecution and punishment for these acts would be administered by the court system.
Criminal law schools are located throughout the United States often under the auspices of a larger university; for example, Harvard University operates the Criminal Justice Institute. Other universities with criminal law schools include Columbia, New York University, Northwestern University (Lewis and Clark) and Stanford Law School; however, there are hundreds of universities offering criminal law throughout the U.S. To find a criminal law school, contact the universities directly and ask them about degrees in criminal law or ask an attorney practicing criminal law for advice and recommendations on choosing a school (more often than not, an attorney will speak to you).
While the precise academic programs will vary slightly from school to school, the basic curriculum remains the same: criminal law and procedures. Most programs entail completion of a research project and the required syllabus. Many schools are now expanding their programs to include such topics as terrorism, victims' rights, environmental law enforcement and national security.
To prepare students for the courtroom, many schools include participation in mock trials to help them develop their courtroom skills. Some schools, such as Harvard's Criminal Justice Institute, will represent homeless people to give students real world experience.