SPEC 28
Prosecutorial Discretion: Exploring Prejudice, Race and Bias in the Justice System Winter 2023

For aspiring law students and attorneys, judges or policy makers, civil rights advocates or academics, a keen understanding of the prosecution function is imperative. Prosecutorial decision making is the very core of the criminal justice system. And yet–unlike other arms of the justice system, such as law enforcement or the judiciary–prosecutors have little or no oversight or checks and balances on their decisions and authority. Students will explore the U.S. Constitution’s guarantees of Due Process and Equal Protection and aspects of the 4th, 5th and 6th Amendments. Students will read selected works and cases which illustrate the potential for–and consequences of–a justice system vulnerable to unchecked prejudice, racism and bias. Students are encouraged to collaborate with the instructor (available days and evenings) and classmates in their preparation of a 5-7 page research paper. Each student will also do a brief oral presentation sharing their research and findings. This course will require approximately 20 hours of work per week, which includes 6 hours of class time. While this course is designed to stimulate and engage students from ALL majors, it likely will be particularly helpful for those contemplating various careers in law.