1L·OTHER·Provo, Utah

Criminal Law at BYU Law

Explore the foundations of Criminal Law at Brigham Young University J. Reuben Clark Law School, focusing on essential principles, landmark cases, and practical skills.

Course Overview

Studying Criminal Law at BYU Law delves into the core principles and doctrinal foundations that govern criminal behavior and prosecution. Students engage with key concepts such as mens rea and actus reus, while learning about different types of crimes, defenses, and punishments. The curriculum is designed to develop critical thinking and analytical skills, preparing students for the complexities of legal practice in criminal law settings.

BYU Law emphasizes both theoretical understanding and practical application through various clinical programs and experiential learning opportunities. Students benefit from a supportive academic environment, rigorous coursework, and access to resources that enhance their study and preparation for careers in criminal law, whether as prosecutors, defense attorneys, or furthering academic research in the field.

Key Topics in Criminal Law

Elements of Crime
Defenses to Criminal Liability
Homicide and Manslaughter
Theft and Property Crimes
Inchoate Crimes
Criminal Procedure
Theories of Punishment
Juvenile Justice
Study Tips for Crim Law at BYU Law
  • 1Stay updated on recent case law and statutory changes in Utah criminal statutes.
  • 2Form study groups to discuss and analyze landmark cases and hypothetical scenarios.
  • 3Use flowcharts to visualize the elements of different crimes and their defenses.
  • 4Practice applying legal principles to fact patterns in past exam questions.
  • 5Engage with professors during office hours to clarify complex topics and seek guidance.

Key Questions in Criminal Law

What level of mens rea does the statute require?

Was the defendant's act the proximate cause of harm?

Does a defense negate an element of the crime?

How does the MPC differ from the common law on this issue?

Criminal Law Case Briefs

Study these landmark Criminal Law cases with AI-generated briefs, flashcards, and cold call prep.

Study Tools for Crim Law at BYU Law

Exam Format — Crim Law at BYU Law

Exams in Criminal Law typically consist of essay questions that require application of legal principles to hypothetical scenarios, as well as multiple-choice questions assessing knowledge of key concepts and cases.

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