Criminal Practice Special Distinction
Contact Person: Professor Rachel Kincaid
Students focusing in criminal law may elect to pursue a Criminal Practice Special Distinction.
The Criminal Practice Special Distinction is recognized at graduation and becomes part of the student's permanent transcript. Students must earn a minimum GPA and must also meet the other course requirements.
Requirements for a Special Distinction in Criminal Practice
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Required Courses | ||
| LAW 9350 | Advanced Criminal Procedure | 3 |
| LAW 9227 | Client Relations | 2 |
| LAW 9156 | Criminal Law Boot Camp | 1 |
| LAW 9158 | Criminal Law Capstone | 1 |
| LAW 9V93 | Field Placement (prosecutorial or public defender) | 2 |
| Select at least 15 hours from the following: | 15 | |
| Advocacy Team (criminal law problem) | ||
| Alternative Dispute Resolution | ||
| Civil Rights Actions | ||
| Healthcare Fraud & Abuse | ||
| Immigration Law | ||
| Juvenile Justice | ||
| Post Conviction Procedure: Sentencing | ||
| Poverty Law & Policy | ||
| Texas Criminal Practice & Procedure | ||
| Trial Advocacy: Beginning Advocacy Skills | ||
| White Collar Crime | ||
| Total Hours | 24 | |
A GPA of 3.3 in all track courses1 (including additional hours as required above) will be required for a student to receive the Special Distinction designation.
- 1
If a student has taken more than the minimum number of hours of track courses and a grade in a course that is not required for receipt of the Special Distinction would result in the GPA being below the requirement, that grade need not be included in the GPA calculation. If a grade in a track course that is required for receipt of the Special Distinction causes the GPA to be below the requirement, grades in track courses beyond the number of hours required for the Special Distinction may be included in order to raise the GPA in the track courses.
A student who meets the above requirements for a Special Distinction shall receive that designation only if the faculty determines that the student has made meaningful contributions to the Law School program and that the student is worthy of such distinction in accordance with the traditions, expectations and mission of Baylor Law School.
The Criminal Practice Professional Track continues to be a litigation track that may serve as the foundation for the Special Distinction in Litigation. A student who does not complete the criminal law capstone but completes the Criminal Practice Professional Track and additional requirements for the Special Distinction in Litigation is be eligible to obtain the Special Distinction in Litigation.