Academics

Criminal Prosecution Clinic - Kings County DA

(5 credits) (Spring semesters only)

Michael Boykin
Adjunct Professor

This hands-on course exposes students to the practice of criminal law through prosecutorial practice. Students take on the role of prosecutors at the Kings County District Attorney’s Office, one of the nation’s most recognized and respected offices. Students will analyze and discuss the application, procedure, and principles surrounding criminal litigation through participation in actual cases. Under the guidance and supervision of managing Assistant District Attorneys, primarily in the trial division, Prosecution Clinic students handle their own small caseloads; interview witnesses; compile discovery; conduct legal research; assist with motion practice; screen appropriate level cases at ECAB (primarily DATs); and may participate in misdemeanor arraignments, observe court proceedings, and appear on the record. 

Enrollment in this clinic requires additional screening by the Kings County DA’s office.

 

Clinic Spotlight:

PHOTO CAPTION: Touro Law’s Criminal Prosecution clinic students with the Hon. Dora Irizarry, United States District Court Judge of the US for the Eastern District of New York (CENTER) and Chief US Probation Officer for the EDNY Robert Capers (far left) along with Adjunct Professor Michael Boykin (far right).

Real-World Courtroom Experience

Touro Law’s Criminal Prosecution Clinic students are immersed in the Kings County District Attorney’s Office, working under the mentorship of Adjunct Professor Michael Boykin. This past semester, students have stepped out of the classroom and onto the record in open court, handling a variety of high-stakes responsibilities:

  • Arraignments & Arguments: Students have arraigned live cases against experienced defense attorneys, made bail arguments, and argued for orders of protection.
  • Case Management: They have participated in plea negotiations and case conferences, as well as provided official status updates in various calendar parts.
  • Specialized Justice: Participants also appeared in treatment courts, including the Misdemeanor Brooklyn Treatment Court (MBTC) and Veterans Court, focusing on rehabilitation and alternatives to incarceration.
  • Litigation Support: Behind the scenes, students maintain active caseloads by conducting witness interviews, drafting legal notices, and preparing discovery for trial.


Beyond the Courtroom: Unique Perspectives
The clinic experience extends beyond daily litigation to include exclusive professional development opportunities:

  • Federal Insight: Students recently toured the Eastern District Courthouse, engaging in a roundtable with Chief U.S. Probation Officer Robert Capers and a private session with Senior Judge Dora Irizarry, who shared career wisdom and distributed pocket Constitutions.
  • Community Engagement: The group attended a "Women Weaving Justice" program at the Brooklyn Public Library, exploring the intersection of environmental law, corporate responsibility, and criminal justice alongside Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez.

A Word from Adjunct Professor Michael Boykin

"I am incredibly proud of how these students have stepped up; they each faced those initial courtroom nerves, conquered them, and have been nothing short of impressive on the record. By handling live cases and navigating complex discussions on rehabilitation and sustainability, they are gaining the kind of hands-on experience that truly makes a difference in the justice system while giving them a major edge in the job market."

Request Information