Crime Victims Representation Clinic
When Offered
Offered both during the Fall and Spring semesters.
Goal of Clinic
The Crime Victims Representation Clinic and Seminar will educate students about the role of the crime victim in the criminal and juvenile justice systems. The course will focus on the constitutional and statutory rights of crime victims and the difficulties inherent in exercising those rights.
Structure of Clinic
Under the supervision of Attorney Kathleen Benton, students work in an on-campus law office, gaining first-hand experience working with crime victims and those professionals who serve them. Students will conduct client interviews, draft pleadings and represent victims in criminal proceedings in Superior Court under the supervision of an attorney. Students will be certified by the California State Bar under the Practical Training of Law Students Program. Case work will be complemented by a weekly, graded seminar.
Prerequisites for Enrollment
There is no written application required for this Clinic.
To qualify for the Crime Victims Representation Clinic, a student must be enrolled in, or have successfully completed, Evidence and Civil Procedure in order to meet the California State Bar certification requirements.
Download the Clinic general information sheet.
Instructor
The Crime Victims Representation Clinic is taught by Kathleen Benton, an attorney with more than 23 years of experience in the area of criminal law. Kathleen Benton is the director and staff attorney of the Victims of Crime Resource Center, located on the Pacific McGeorge campus. For more information, contact Kathleen Benton.
Unit Credit and Limit on Enrollment
This is a one-semester Clinic for which two-pass/fail units, plus one-graded unit are awarded. The student will represent and work with crime victims for a total of 100 hours in order to obtain two-pass/fail units of credit. The one-graded unit is based on attendance and participation at the regularly scheduled weekly seminars.
Enrollment in the Crime Victims Clinic/Seminar is limited to eight students.
Why This Clinic is Valuable
Crime victims often encounter legal issues in the criminal justice system that require the assistance and advice of counsel. Because victims are not entitled to court-appointed counsel, and because they are often unable to afford to retain an attorney, the Pacific McGeorge Crime Victims Clinic is one of the only sources of legal representation available to crime victims in California. All Clinic students will represent and advise clients in the conversion of criminal restitution orders to civil judgments, and will research applicable civil and criminal statutes to enforce the judgments. Students interested in a career as a prosecutor, or a criminal defense attorney, will acquire a unique understanding of the comprehensive needs and rights of victims of crime.