Criminal Prosecution Practicum Offers Law Students Insight Into Courtroom Procedure
The course, titled Criminal Prosecution Practicum, was offered for the first time this spring semester. Through the course, students engaged in both course instruction and hands-on learning in the South Dakota State’s Attorney’s office.
“I learned something new every day,” said Alexis Henrichs, a second year law student. “It is really difficult to get out of your comfort zone in textbook-style classes, but this practicum was stimulating, enjoyable and educational.”
On Monday afternoons throughout the semester, the students went to the Minnehaha State’s Attorney office in Sioux Falls and experienced court, learned from practicing attorneys and prepared documents for closed cases to learn about bond arguments, plea agreements and sentencing.
Following that, the students went to the USD – Sioux Falls campus, where they met a variety of attorneys and law enforcement agents and participated in simulated trials put on by professors.
The course was taught by Minnehaha County State’s Attorney Daniel Haggar and Deputy State’s Attorney Amy Folsom.