Ethics of Zealous Advocacy "EZA" is offered each fall to second and third year students. It is not offered in the spring. This is a required course for all ICDC students. Prospective ICDC students are strongly encouraged to take EZA in the fall of their second year.
This course explores the ethical dilemmas facing prosecutors and defense attorneys. After delineating their respective roles, we will consider the implications of the competitive nature of trial work. We will identify some of the major flaws of the criminal justice system and contemplate how those flaws challenge a lawyer’s ability to be an effective advocate. Students will integrate their theoretical understanding of these issues through various mock trial exercises.
We will examine the inherent challenges associated with cases involving eyewitness testimony, false confession, and dishonest police. We will debate the extent to which competition does or should influence each party’s ethical choices in the context of discovery obligations and oral advocacy. We will also consider the extent to which heavy caseloads foisted upon attorneys on both sides thwarts the possibility for zealous and effective advocacy.
