Criminal Justice Faculty
Linda E. Carter, Director, Criminal Justice Concentration; Professor of Law
With a background in civil rights litigation and criminal defense, Professor Carter specializes in the areas of capital punishment, criminal procedure, and evidence.
Gerald Caplan, Professor of Law
Professor Caplan held key posts in criminal justice before coming to Pacific McGeorge—General Counsel first to the U.S. Department of Justice's Law Enforcement Assistance Administration and then the District of Columbia Police Department, Director of the National Institute of Justice. He has led reviews of police practices in Philadelphia, Los Angeles, and Sacramento.
Ruth Jones, Associate Professor of Law
A former assistant district attorney in New York City, Professor Jones teaches Criminal Law and a seminar in Gender and the Criminal Justice System. Drawing on her experience as a prosecutor and working for the National Organization of Women (NOW), her research focuses on gender-related issues.
John E.B. Myers, Distinguished Professor and Scholar
Professor Myers "wrote the book" on child witnesses. The author of many articles and books on the topics of children as witnesses and other issues in child molestation cases, he is a criminal law and evidence expert.
Joseph E. Taylor, Director, Center for Legal Advocacy; Professor of Law
As the Director of Legal Advocacy, Professor Taylor runs the Pacific McGeorge trial advocacy program and oversees the competition teams. With the unusual background of leadership positions in both prosecution and defense (Assistant Chief Deputy District Attorney in Sacramento and the Riverside County Public Defender, managing 77 attorneys), Professor Taylor advises many students about careers in criminal justice.
Michael Vitiello, Director, Appellate Advocacy; Professor of Law
Professor Vitiello leads the Pacific McGeorge appellate advocacy program, applying knowledge gained as an appellate court law clerk. He is also an expert in criminal law and procedure, with a special interest in "Three Strikes" laws and white collar crime.
Jay Leach, Professor of Law
Professor Leach was a trial lawyer and partner at the Philadelphia law firm of Drinker, Biddle & Reath where he litigated in the fields of general corporate and commercial disputes. He is a lecturer for the National Institute for Trial Advocacy.
Thomas J. Cecil, Adjunct Professor of Law
As the Presiding Judge of the Superior Court of Sacramento County, Judge Cecil is able to share his practical experiences with his students at Pacific McGeorge. He teaches Sentencing and Post-Conviction Remedies.
Donald J. Currier, Adjunct Professor of Law
Professor Currier is a former prosecutor with the Sacramento County District Attorney's office. He tried many of the first "Three Strikes" cases in that jurisdiction. He later served as Chief Deputy Director of the Governor's Office of Criminal Justice Planning.
Steven M. Gevercer, Adjunct Professor of Law
Professor Gervercer is a Deputy Attorney General for the State of California. He was a senior trial attorney with the Sacramento County Public Defender's major crime units for nine years where his trial load included several death-penalty cases.
Albert C. Locher, Adjunct Professor of Law
Professor Locher is the Assistant Chief Deputy District Attorney for Sacramento County. He is an expert on felony sentencing and scientific evidence who has taught numerous courses for the California District Attorneys Association.
John P. Pezone, Adjunct Professor of Law
Professor Pezone is a Deputy District Attorney for Sacramento County. An instructor on evidence, search and seizure, and prison crimes prosecution, he is an instructor for the Sacramento Police and Sheriff's Department Academies.
David R. Shaw, Adjunct Professor of Law
Professor Shaw is the Deputy Executive Director for the State Board of Control, Victims of Crime Division. He was the lead attorney in Sacramento County's career criminal prosecution unit before starting his career in state service as Chief Legal Counsel to the California Assembly Committee on Public Safety.
