Modernizing Clinical and Experiential Training in Criminal Defense to Reflect the Realities of Practice in the Era of Advancing Forensics and Technology

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Session Type: Concurrent Sessions

Session Capacity: N/A

Location: N/A

Room: Waterview A

Floor: Lobby Level

The landscape of criminal defense is rapidly evolving, shaped by advances in forensic science, digital evidence, and emerging technologies. Law students training to be public defenders must be equipped with the knowledge and skills to navigate these changes effectively.This presentation explores how clinical and experiential legal education can modernize its pedagogy to prepare students for the realities of contemporary criminal practice. Clinics have long served as critical training grounds for law students, offering hands-on experience representing indigent clients. However, the growing reliance on forensic science, body-worn cameras, and digital surveillance in prosecutions necessitates a shift in how we teach advocacy, evidentiary analysis, and trial strategy. Many forensic disciplines, once treated as infallible, have been debunked, yet they continue to influence court decisions. Similarly, the rise of AI-driven policing, algorithmic risk assessments, and digital forensics raises concerns about due process, racial bias, and the integrity of criminal proceedings. Our discussion will focus on pedagogical approaches to integrating forensic science, technology, and modern defense strategies into clinical and experiential training. We will examine best practices for teaching students how to challenge forensic evidence, engage with expert witnesses, and critically assess the role of technology in criminal cases. Additionally, we will highlight strategies for ensuring that students develop a foundational understanding of how digital evidence—ranging from social media to geolocation data—is increasingly central to criminal prosecutions and defense strategies. Through this conversation, we seek to equip clinical educators with the tools to modernize their curricula, ensuring that students graduate with the expertise to be effective, justice-driven advocates in a legal system increasingly shaped by science and technology.