How We Are Involved
About the Program
Yale Law School offers a rich academic experience studying criminal law through many different lenses. In addition to a variety of courses, students can collaborate with faculty on empirical research, work on reform efforts, and gain hands-on experience through work with clinics and student organizations.
Faculty
Yale Law Report Feature, 2016
Centers & Programs
Two vibrant centers at the Law School create a myriad of ways for students to get involved in criminal justice reform work that is having a profound impact across the country.
Justice Collaboratory
Experiential Learning
Several clinics and student organizations play an important role in introducing students to the state and federal criminal justice systems and affording the students an opportunity to represent individual clients and pursue systemic reforms.
Beshar/Lehner Gender Violence Clinic
Challenging Mass Incarceration Clinic
Criminal Justice Advocacy Clinic
Samuel Jacobs Criminal Justice Clinic
Tuesday, October 05, 2021
News
Policing Clinic Works with Partners Nationwide to Put Theory into Practice
The Policing, Law, and Policy Clinic provides students with an opportunity to work on real-world policy projects related to policing and public safety.
Thursday, August 19, 2021
Wednesday, July 07, 2021
In The Press
‘My Concern Is Precedent’: Mixed Responses to DOC Promise to End Solitary Confinement
Boston Globe
Arthur Liman Professor of Law Judith Resnik comments in a news report on a move by Massachusetts to end the use of solitary confinement. The report cites research by the Arthur Liman Center for Public Interest Law.
Tuesday, October 5, 2021
The Policing, Law, and Policy Clinic seeks to translate leading theory and empirical evidence on policing reform into actionable policies aimed at transforming policing and public safety.
Wednesday, September 29, 2021
A new exhibit at the Lillian Goldman Law Library chronicles some of the responses to the Attica prison uprising of 1971, prompted by its 50th anniversary.
Tuesday, September 28, 2021
Reginald Dwayne Betts ’16, is Director of Freedom Reads, which aims to give incarcerated people access to the power of literature. Credit John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation
Tuesday, August 24, 2021
Challenging Mass Incarceration Clinic members and their client Clyde Meikle celebrate Meikle’s graduation from Wesleyan University. From left are Felisha Miles ’21, Katherine Zhang ’20, Meikle, Clinical Associate Professor of Law Miriam Gohara, Eli Feasley ’21, and Frankie Hedgepeth ’22.
News
Road to Redemption
Monday, March 1, 2021
4:19
Thursday, November 18, 2021
In The Press
Police Commissioner, Ex-Cop Alder-Elect Call For National Search For Next Police Chief
New Haven Independent
Walton Hale Hamilton Professor and Founding Director of the Justice Collaboratory Tracey Meares comments on the selection process for the New Haven Chief of Police.
Wednesday, September 8, 2021
In The Press
YLS Liman Center Members Testify on Solitary Confinement in Pennsylvania
Yale Daily News
The Yale Daily News reported on testimony given by Arthur Liman Professor of Law Judith Resnik before the Pennsylvania Senate Democratic Policy Committee on the use of solitary confinement. Liman Center Director Jenny Carroll is quoted, and Liman Center clinical fellow Skylar Albertson ’18, Sarita Benesch ’23, and Wynne Graham ’22 are mentioned.
Friday, July 16, 2021
In The Press
Police Officers Treat Black and White Men Differently. You Can Hear It in Their Tone of Voice
Los Angeles Times
Walton Hale Hamilton Professor Tracey L. Meares comments on a study showing differences in how police talk to Black and white drivers.
Thursday, July 15, 2021
In The Press
James Forman Jr. on The Drug War in a Black Community
Psychoactive
J. Skelly Wright Professor of Law James Forman Jr. ’92 discusses on a podcast his book Locking Up Our Own and his experience as a public defender in Washington, D.C. in the 1990s.
Wednesday, July 7, 2021
In The Press
‘My Concern Is Precedent’: Mixed Responses to DOC Promise to End Solitary Confinement
Boston Globe
Arthur Liman Professor of Law Judith Resnik comments in a news report on a move by Massachusetts to end the use of solitary confinement. The report cites research by the Arthur Liman Center for Public Interest Law.
Tuesday, June 22, 2021
In The Press
Hate-Crime Laws Don’t Work as Their Supporters Intended
The Atlantic
Research by Macklin Fleming Professor of Law Tom R. Tyler and the Justice Collaboratory are cited.
Alumni Profiles
Yale Law School prepared me for a lifelong career in public interest and social justice work through its academic excellence, hands-on clinical practice, and expansive student-led leadership opportunities.”
Lourdes Rivera ’90
Senior Vice President, U.S. Programs, Center for Reproductive Rights