Criminal Law

Program Description: Criminal Law at the University of Virginia

The Criminal Law program at the University of Virginia offers an in-depth exploration of the fundamental principles, legal frameworks, and practical applications of criminal justice. Designed for students interested in pursuing careers in law, criminal justice, public policy, or related fields, this program provides a comprehensive understanding of the substantive criminal law, criminal procedure, and the broader social, ethical, and constitutional issues surrounding crime and punishment.

Students will study the essential elements of criminal offenses, including mens rea, actus reus, defenses, and sentencing principles. The curriculum emphasizes critical thinking and analytical skills, enabling students to evaluate legal arguments, interpret statutes, and apply legal reasoning to complex cases. Coursework includes case law analysis, statutory interpretation, and the examination of criminal trial procedures, ensuring students gain a practical knowledge of how criminal cases proceed in the courtroom.

The program also addresses contemporary issues such as criminal justice reform, racial disparities, the death penalty, and privacy rights, fostering a nuanced understanding of the evolving landscape of criminal law. Students have opportunities to participate in internships, moot court competitions, and clinics that simulate real-world legal environments, providing invaluable hands-on experience.

Faculty members are distinguished scholars and experienced practitioners dedicated to mentoring students and promoting scholarly research. The program encourages interdisciplinary approaches, integrating insights from sociology, psychology, public policy, and ethics to enrich students’ understanding of criminal law’s societal impacts.

Graduates of the Criminal Law program are well-prepared to pursue further legal studies, enter the legal profession, or engage in public service roles. They emerge equipped with the analytical, communicative, and advocacy skills necessary for effective legal practice and policy development. Overall, the University of Virginia’s Criminal Law program aims to cultivate knowledgeable, ethical, and socially responsible legal professionals committed to justice and public service.

• Advanced Criminal Law (15)
• Contemporary Debates in Criminal Law (14,15)
• Crime and Punishment (14,16)
• Criminal Adjudication (14,15,16)
• Criminal Investigation (14,15,16)
• Criminal Procedure (14,15,16)
• Criminal Procedure Survey (14,15,16)
• Criminology (14,15,16)
• Cyber Law and Policy (15,16)
• Cybercrime (14,15)
• Death Penalty (16)
• Federal Criminal Law (15)
• Federal Law of Fraud and Corruption (15)
• Federal Pretrial Litigation (14,15,16)
• Federal Sentencing (14,15,16)
• Habeas Corpus (14,16)
• Immigration Enforcement (14)
• International Criminal Justice: Its Successes, Failures and Future Prospects (15)
• International Criminal Law (14,16)
• International Financial Crimes (15)
• Law of the Police (14,15,16)
• Mental Health Issues in Juvenule Justice (14,15)
• Plea Bargaining (15,16)
• Profiling (14)
• Scientific Evidence (14)
• Social Science in Law (14,15,16)
• White Collar Criminal Defense Practice (14,15)
• White Collar Investigations, Enforcement and Business Risk Mitigation (16)

• LL.M. application, completed and submitted electronically through LSAC along with required attachments and optional forms;
• U.S. $80 application fee paid directly to LSAC;
• Official, school-certified transcripts of grades or marks from all colleges, universities, exchange programs and professional/graduate schools you have attended, even if you did not graduate. These should be submitted directly to LSAC in envelopes sealed by the appropriate school official, who then signs or stamps across the seal. Do not send documents certified by people other than school officials.
• Official, school-certified proof of degree document, if proof of degree does not appear on transcript. This document should be sent directly to LSAC in an envelope sealed by the appropriate school official, who then signs or stamps across the seal. Please do not send documents certified by people other than school officials.
• An official statement of class rank from the institution at which you earned or will earn your first degree in law. These should be submitted directly to LSAC in envelopes sealed by the appropriate school official who then signs or stamps across the seal. If such rankings are not provided by your school, provide a statement to this effect along with a detailed explanation of the grading system employed and a self-evaluation of your performance within that system. 
• An official TOEFL, or IELTS score report submitted to LSAC or to UVA.
• At least two, but no more than four, letters of recommendation, sent to LSAC for processing.  Please follow the instructions provided in your LSAC.org account.

Scholarships

If you receive a financial aid grant, it will not cover your tuition and living expenses. Generally, our financial aid grants, when given, cover less than one-third of the cost of tuition. University regulations do not permit “waivers” of tuition. We cannot provide assistance for all deserving applicants, and funds must be allocated on the basis of comparative merit and financial need. Most students must therefore expect to meet their expenses from other sources. Applicants from abroad are encouraged to contact the educational attaché at the U.S. Embassy or consulate in their home country for assistance that may be available under the Fulbright or similar programs.

The Law School does not offer financial aid to S.J.D. students.

Applicants requesting financial aid should provide detailed and accurate information regarding their finances and, where applicable, the finances of their spouses or parents. In calculating the amount of financial aid to be requested, it is important to distinguish “wants” from “needs” and to apply only for that amount of aid that is actually needed to attend the Law School. Requests for full or nearly full funding cannot be met and will disadvantage the applicant relative to others in determining the allocation of scholarship funds.

Any award of financial aid from the School of Law is tentative. If you receive an outside award, you are required to notify the Graduate Program of any changes in your financial situation. Any award from the University of Virginia may be reduced or withdrawn completely due to a change in your financial situation.

The employment status of foreign students is closely regulated by U.S. immigration laws. Students with F-1 status may seek limited employment on campus under certain conditions and with the approval of the chair of the Graduate Program Committee. In any case, Law School policy prohibits employment of more than 20 hours per week. The Law School does not have teaching fellowships. Some students may be able to receive limited compensation as research assistants for individual faculty members or from working in the law library. These positions are not available through the Graduate Studies Office but must be individually arranged after the student has completed registration at the Law School.

Admissions decisions are made without regard to requests for financial assistance. Awards are generally made only after an applicant has responded with interest to an offer of admission.

The University of Virginia offers a comprehensive program in Criminal Law within its Juris Doctor (JD) curriculum through the School of Law. This program is designed to provide students with a thorough understanding of the legal principles, procedures, and ethical considerations involved in criminal justice. The curriculum includes core courses such as Criminal Law, Criminal Procedure, Evidence, and Trial Advocacy, which are essential for developing a foundational knowledge of criminal justice and trial processes. In addition to these core courses, students have the opportunity to explore specialized topics such as Federal Criminal Law, White-Collar Crime, Juvenile Justice, and Drug Law, among others.

The program emphasizes experiential learning through clinics, internships, and moot court competitions, enabling students to gain practical experience in criminal law practice. The Virginia Law School’s Clinic offers real-world legal work with supervision, allowing students to represent clients in criminal matters, prepare legal documents, and participate in negotiations or court proceedings. These opportunities help students develop critical legal skills and ethical judgment vital for their future careers.

Faculty members specializing in criminal law are distinguished scholars and practitioners actively engaged in research, policy-making, and advocacy. The program promotes a rigorous academic environment that encourages critical thinking, analytical skills, and an understanding of the social impacts of criminal law policies. Beyond the classroom, the university often hosts lectures, workshops, and conferences related to criminal justice reform, sentencing, and law enforcement practices, enriching students' educational experience.

Graduate employment prospects generally include positions in prosecution and defense, public interest organizations, federal and state agencies, and private law firms specializing in criminal defense or litigation. The program also provides resources such as career counseling, networking events, and alumni mentorship to support students’ professional development.

Overall, the University of Virginia’s Criminal Law program aims to prepare students for impactful careers in law or related fields, emphasizing a balance of theoretical knowledge, practical skills, and ethical practice.