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How Crime Works: Exploring Law in Action
Hetali Sheth
Hetali Sheth
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How Crime Works: Exploring Law in Action

Examine criminal theory, legal principles, defense strategies, and societal impacts through case studies and discussions.

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Apply now
Fridays
 at
6:00
P.M.
 ET /
3:00
P.M.
PT
8 weeks, 2-3 hours per week
Beginner
No experience required
No experience required
Some experience required
Degree and experience required

Description

Ever wondered what it takes to build a criminal case from start to finish? In this Build project, you'll step into the role of a legal analyst to dissect and build a comprehensive case portfolio on a mock criminal case, mirroring the analytical work common in law firms and public defender offices. Under the guidance of an experienced industry professional, you'll analyze key elements of the case, assess possible defenses, map out trial procedures, and craft a verdict and sentencing recommendation based on criminal law principles. You’ll gain hands-on experience with fundamental legal techniques like case classification, evidence assessment, and procedural mapping, all within a simulated judicial process. This project offers a valuable, real-world experience for anyone interested in understanding the building blocks of criminal justice and applying legal concepts in practice. 

Session timeline

  • Applications open
    December 1, 2024
  • Application deadline
    January 15, 2025
  • Project start date
    Week of July 8, 2024
    Week of
    February 3, 2025
  • Project end date
    Week of

What you will learn

  • Analyze criminal cases by identifying key facts, relevant legal principles, and elements of the crime. 
  • Differentiate between various types of crimes and their classifications within the criminal justice system. 
  • Interpret the roles and responsibilities of parties within the judicial process, including the prosecution, defense, and judiciary. 
  • Apply procedural steps from arrest to sentencing, understanding the flow and requirements of a criminal trial. 
  • Construct a structured case analysis portfolio that integrates defenses, verdict possibilities, and sentencing outcomes. 
Build Projects are 8-week experiences that operate on a rolling basis. Selected participants engage in weekly live workshops with a Build Fellow and 2-15 other students.

Project workshops

1
Introduction to Criminal Law & Case Introduction
2
Players in the Criminal Justice System
3
Types of Crimes
4
Elements of a Crime
5
Defenses
6
Procedure
7
Trial
8
Verdict, Sentencing, and Final Case Reflection

Prerequisites

  • Basic knowledge of criminal law principles: You should understand fundamental concepts such as crime classification, elements of a crime (actus reus and mens rea), and the roles within the criminal justice system. 
  • Analytical thinking skills: You should be able to examine case details critically, identify relevant legal issues, and logically piece together elements to form a coherent analysis. 
  • Clear, concise writing skills: You should be comfortable writing in a structured, professional style, as you’ll be preparing a legal-style brief. 
  • Attention to detail: This project requires careful review of facts and legal principles to create an accurate, persuasive analysis. 

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About the expert

Hetali is a Law Fellow at Open Avenues, where she works with students leading projects in criminal law.

Hetali is an International Associate at Harris St. Laurent Wechsler, where she focuses on commercial and white-collar litigation.

Hetali has over 5 years of experience in the legal field. Her experience is in trials and appellate litigation, including criminal, human rights, and international law. She also focused on rights-based advocacy, representing clients in wrongful conviction cases before appellate courts. Notably, some of these individuals had spent decades incarcerated.

She holds a Master of Laws from Cornell Law School.

A fun fact about Hetali is that she is learning how to play the piano.

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