Understand How Criminal Law Works
Criminal Law: Inside the Courtroom
Criminal lawyers argue some of the toughest legal cases: everything from illegal drug sales to murder. In this compelling course, you’ll delve into the anatomy of a criminal case. Learn through the lens of both prosecutors and defense attorneys while studying the process from evidence and witness interviewing to sentencing. Understand 4th Amendment protections regarding search and seizure, explore the role motions play in resolving criminal cases, learn the difference between a hearing and a trial, and gain insight into the role of the judge and the jurors. If you believe you have what it takes for criminal law, this course is for you.
Go Inside the Courtroom
How You Will Benefit:
- Learn to think like a lawyer
- Analyze evidence to determine what happened in the timeline of the crime
- Know how to argue differing perspectives: defense versus prosecution
- Describe the timeline of, and those involved in, a criminal case
- Explore the factors that lead to wrongful convictions
- Demonstrate the analytical skills needed to succeed as a criminal lawyer
- Earn a Certificate of Completion from Wake Forest University
Apply Now for the Next Available Course
October 1 - October 29
Criminal Law: Inside the Courtroom
Length: 4 weeks
Cost: $995
Application Deadline: Sunday, September 24, 2023
December 17 - December 31
Criminal Law: Inside the Courtroom
Length: 2 weeks
Cost: $995
Application Deadline: Sunday, December 10, 2023
3 Learning Advantages Designed for You
Final Capstone Project
The course culminates with a final project that allows you to:
- Act as an appellate judge for a case that you have studied in the course
- Issue an opinion assessing the earlier decision in which the defendant was found guilty, and determine whether the evidence was: properly admitted, ample enough to prove guilt and whether the sentence was correct and reasonable
- Use any media you prefer — text, video, photography, PowerPoint
Mentoring
You’ll receive personal guidance from a mentor who can support you and answer questions as you deepen your learning experience. You can expect:
- Encouragement and direction on all assignments
- Inspiration, motivation and confidence to help you succeed
- Brainstorming and ideation help as you prepare for your final Capstone project
Flexible Learning
- 100% online, works with your schedule
- You’ll learn through engaging video—tune in anytime that works for you
- 30 hours of total instruction and course work, including engaging multimedia simulations and curated assignments for which you will receive guidance and support
Meet Your Online Immersion Faculty Member
Professor Eileen Prescott, Project Director for Wake Forest University Law School’s Accountable Prosecutor Project
Eileen Prescott is a passionate criminal law attorney, having worked in two prosecutor offices during her time at University of Chicago Law School. She went on to work as a prosecutor in the Philadelphia District Attorney’s Office where she specialized in federal habeas cases involving state convictions. Professor Prescott now directs research on prosecutor transparency and responsiveness to their communities, in addition to teaching at Wake Forest School of Law.
How to Apply:
It’s easy. No transcripts or letters of recommendation are required. Our application will ask you to provide the following:
- Basic contact information for you and your parent or guardian.
- Why you wish to take this course. You can tell your story through writing, video, photos — any media you prefer.
NOTE: please submit all application materials in English
Begin the guided process. It should take only a few minutes of your time to answer the questions.
Begin the guided processWant to know more?
Sign up for more information and we’ll be in touch.
Frequently Asked Questions
How will you be graded? What are assignments like? How much time do you get to turn around a project? When do you find out if you’re accepted?
Answers to your questions hereScholarships
We offer need-based scholarships in each cohort to students exhibiting high potential who need assistance affording the associated cost. If you would like to be considered for a scholarship but you:
- Haven't applied to the program, complete your application now. The scholarship application is included.
- Applied to the program and didn't fill out a scholarship request, resume your application and click “Apply for Scholarship”.
- Are unsure about whether or not you applied for a scholarship, reach out to us at support@onlineimmersion.wfu.edu for assistance.
The University reserves the right to modify the course as may become necessary.