Overview

Baltimore/Washington DC
June 19 - June 28 »

Palo Alto, CA
July 5 - July 14 »

Bronx/New York, NY
July 18 - July 27 »

View More Available Dates »

Explore the world of Criminal Justice and the Legal System

Ready to investigate a crime and take it to the courtroom? Whether your aspirations lie in the career fields of crime scene investigation, crime lab and evidence analysis, or as an attorney and member of the legal team this exciting and fast paced conference will help you gain valuable insight into the legal process. Few professions call for as much technical knowledge, critical thinking and strategic teamwork. At the Law & Justice conference, you’ll discover exciting fields where scientists step out of a laboratory and law professionals fight for justice. Meet forensic experts, crime scene specialists, government agents, and other legal professionals who will lift the veil to show you how evidence is processed and a case is presented in the courtroom. Ultimately you’ll understand the complex threads between the first few minutes at a crime scene and a solid conviction.

Crime Scene Reconstruction

You will see how evidence is collected and persevered and how the smallest detail can unravel a complicated crime. Whether you’re analyzing blood spatter or collecting latent fingerprints, you’ll work on the cutting edge of investigative science. The responsibility of the scientist doesn’t end with the collection and preservation of evidence – you will experience first hand how an expert prepares scientific data for attorney questioning and ultimately trial.

Present Your Case

After careful review of the scene and evidence, you’ll present your findings as an expert witness in a simulated courtroom, or you may be an attorney on the prosecutor or defense team. There’s nothing as exhilarating as arguing a case or cross-examining a key witness - especially when law and justice hang in the balance. You’ll learn how to think on your feet, argue persuasively, and respond intelligently to questions.

Photo Gallery

Guest Speakers

Lawyers, Judges and Legal Experts

• Brian H. Hook, M.A., Former Assistant Secretary of State for International Organizations
• Olegario D. Cantos VII, Esq., U.S. Department of Justice
• Jamin Raskin, J.D., Maryland State Senator
• Honorable Patricia Jessamy, J.D., State’s Attorney, State of Maryland
• Honorable, Marla Miller, J.D., Judge, Superior Court of California – County of San Francisco
• Dr. David Nersessian, Visiting Assistant Professor of Law, Boston University School of Law
• Honorable Suzanne Ramos-Bolanos, J.D., Judge, Superior Court of California – County of San Francisco
• Lee F. Satterfield, L.L.M., Chief Justice, Superior Court for the District of Columbia
• Edward Stern, J.D., Assistant Dean for Pre-Law Advising, Boston University
• John Torribio, L.L.M., Los Angeles Counter Superior Court Justice

Criminal Justice & Forensic Science Experts

• Robert Baier, M.A., Forensic Document Examiner
• Honorable Frederick H. Bealefield, III, Police Commissioner, Baltimore Police Department
• John L. Carey, Senior Investigator, New York State Police Department
• Dr. Joseph Dizzino, Former Director, Crime Laboratory, Federal Bureau of Investigation
• Dr. John Giordano, Forensic Odontologist
• Donald Hayes, Jr., M.F.S., Director,  Boston Police Department Crime Laboratory
• Dr. Lawrence Kobilinsky, Professor and Chairperson, Department of Sciences, John Jay College of Criminal Justice
• Thomas Lee, Deputy Superintendent, Boston Police Department
• Don Mikko, Firearms Expert, U.S. Army Criminal Investigation Laboratory
• Michael Mines,  J.D., Deputy Assistant Director, Directorate of Intelligence, FBI Federal Bureau of Investigation
• Nicole Nicklow, M.F.S., Federal Bureau of Investigation, Crime Laboratory
• Paul Palumbo, Federal Bureau of Investigation
• Dr. Melissa Pasquale, Office of the Chief Medical Examiner, New York City
• Jim Trainum, Director of the Violent Crimes Apprehension Program, Cold Case Metropolitan Police Department

Forensic & Law Enforcement Agencies

• Boston Police Department
• Federal Bureau of Investigation
• Naval Criminal Investigative Service
• New York City Crime Lab
• Office of the Chief Medical Examiner, New York City
• San Diego County; Department of the Medical Examiner

Law Schools and Agencies

• Boston University School of Law
• Columbia University School of Law
• Georgetown University Law Center
• Harvard Law School
• Stanford University Law School
• Discovering Justice

Tuition, Location and Dates

Complete tuition, enrollment and other conference details can be found in the Application and Enrollment & Other Details included in your invitation package and in the online application.

Please pay careful attention, as dates may have changed from printed material.

2010 Summer Law & Justice Sessions*

Tuition Includes:

• One college credit ($475 value)*
• A full schedule of classes, briefings, lectures and simulations
• Certificate of Completion
• Housing accommodations at a University/College dormitory
• All on-campus meals **
• Course materials and lab fees
• Transportation as needed for off-site activities, briefings and events
• Field trips and social events
• Program Faculty and on-site staff for supervision
• LeadAmerica T-shirt
  

To earn college credit, the student must successfully complete all aspects of the program (see college credit information for more details). The Law & Justice conference is accredited for two (2) college credits.  Tuition includes the first college credit from Loras College. A second college credit is available at a reduced fee of $299.

*Dates and locations are subject to change

** Students will need spending money for several off-site meals, souvenirs and incidentals.

Students are responsible for their own airfare or other travel costs to and from each conference location.

PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS

• Immerse yourself in Forensic Workshops focused on collecting, processing and analyzing crime scene evidence, which may include computer simulated bullet comparison, finding latent fingerprints, and presumptive blood testing (screening for traces of blood at a crime scene).
• Assume the role of a prominent attorney in a simulated trial emphasizing the Construction of Opening Statements/Closing Arguments, the Analysis and Execution of Direct & Cross Examinations, Procedures of Handling and Entering Evidence, and Expert Witness Preparation
• Gain exposure to the roles and influence of U.S. Criminal Justice Institutions such as the FBI, DEA, Secret Service, and state and federal law enforcement agencies
• Obtain a front-row-seat and behind-the-scenes insight into the criminal justice system through a visit to a Federal or State Court
• Explore Washington DC, San Francisco, or New York City
• Earn up to two college credits
  
  
• Law & Justice students at the Johns Hopkins University to visit the National Crime and Punishment Museum in Washington, DC. This visit provides students with an in-depth look into the history and consequences of crime, and the tools of crime fighting. In addition, students will have the opportunity to participate in an interactive crime scene that involves using a variety of forensic techniques such as fingerprinting, ballistics, and DNA analysis.
• Law & Justice students at Stanford University to visit Alcatraz Island.  The visit to Alcatraz Island provides students with insight into the history of the infamous military and federal prison just off the coast of San Francisco.  Famous for its legendary inhabitants and featured in recent blockbuster movies like The Rock, Alcatraz remains one of the most important criminal justice sites in the nation.
• Law & Justice students to visit the New York Police and Fire Museums (New York program only). These visits provide students with an insider’s look into the history and tradition behind the largest police and fire agencies in the country through various artifacts and exhibits. Additionally, each museum has an exhibit dedicated to the courageous heroes of September 11th.
• Commission on Forensic Education recognizes LeadAmerica’s Law & Justice conference.  Students that attend the Law & Justice conference will receive a certificate of completion from the Commission on Forensic Education (COFE). LeadAmerica has partnered with the Commission on Forensic Education with a common goal of improving forensic science and crime scene investigation curricula in secondary schools. The COFE, as part of the American College of Forensic Examiners (ACFEI), is dedicated to promoting the growth and emphasizing the importance of forensic science programs in education.

PROGRAM COMPONENTS

• College Accredited, Academic Curriculum
• Conduct research, analyze information, engage in debate, resolve conflict, and build networks of support as you practice being the criminal justice leaders of tomorrow
• Engage in hands-on workshops designed to provide a comprehensive appreciation for investigation, evidence processing, expert testimony, and the preparation of legal documents
• Illuminate an insider’s view of the current American legal system – from the crime scene to the court room, students are exposed to all facets of the criminal justice system
• Engaging Faculty & Guest Speakers
• Gain access to Academic and Professional Leaders in the criminal justice field
• Speakers may include Prominent Attorneys, Judges, Legal Experts, and Forensic Experts from various disciplines (e.g. latent print expert, DNA analyst, forensic chemist, Medical Examiner, etc.).
• Program Relevant Field Excursions
• Experience the program content and appreciate regional sites of importance through field excursions designed to complement the academic and skill building objectives of the program
• Field Excursions may include visits to:
• Washington, DC:  U.S. Supreme Court, Capitol Hill, and the National Museum of Crime and Punishment
• New York City:  New York Police and Fire Museums, Courthouse Tour, and the Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island
• San Francisco:  Alcatraz Island, Fisherman’s Wharf, and a Courthouse Tour
• Career Focused Skills & Personal Development Workshops
• Formulate a Personal Mission and Vision plan for your future
• Develop and polish skills like Time Management, Decision Making, Team Building, Conflict Resolution, Public Speaking, and Communication
• Explore the opportunities and strategies to advance in program related career fields
• Collegiate Experience & College Enrollment Seminars
• Experience College Life from challenging academics to dormitory living
• Gain an important head start in the Preparation for College and the College Admission Process
• Friends & Support for a Lifetime
• Develop a network of Fellow Scholars, Friends, and Mentors

A DAY AT Law & Justice

*This is a sample day and examples of lectures, excursions and activities each program may include. All speakers and events are subject to availability and change, without notice, before or after the start of a conference.