DEPARTMENT OF CRIMINOLOGY
This is the Pre-Law page of the Global C.J. Links homepage
Certificate of Legal Studies Requirements
(Pre-Law)
Learn
what the Bar Exam is all about
Visit
the nearby San Joaquin College of Law
Law schools are located in every state and a good list can be found at:
An exhaustive list of ABA approved schools and information
on the Law School Aptitude Test can be found at:
Completion of law school does not only enable a graduate to pursue a legal career, but also sharpens the type of skills that are essential in management of both public and private organization. Career opportunities for law school graduates are numerous, both in the area of civil and criminal law.
To be accepted by an ABA (American Bar Association) approved law school, a high undergraduate G.P.A. and/or a high score on the Law School Aptitude Test (LSAT) is essential, though evidence of other types of significant achievement or unusual success in overcoming various life obstacles, are also typically considered in evaluating an application for admission.
There are also a variety of organizations offering LSAT preperatory courses:
LSAT Preparation - online and classroom courses
The best undergraduate academic preparation for law school consists of coursework that best prepares a student for doing well on the LSAT and for the rigorous application of logic and reasoning required of law school students. The Legal Studies Certificate (Pre-Law) through the Department of Criminology And the Department of Political Science at CSU Fresno is designed to prepare you for that challenge.
THE DEPARTMENT OF CRIMINOLOGY LAW FACULTY
The Criminology Department currently has three full time faculty members with law degrees and a wide variety of legal experience, both in and out of academe. These faculty members can both guide you in your preparation for law school and also provide you with the needed insights to select the legal career that is best for you.
LAW SCHOOL SCHOLARSHIPS & FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE
What about law school scholarships? Nearly all accredited law schools in the United States offer some type of scholarship to students based on a variety of criteria, not all of them purely academic in nature. In addition, limited scholarships are available from a variety of both private and government organizations.
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There are also excellent opportunities to use the military as a spring board for the completion of law school and the subsequent immediate immersion into a fast moving career with either the United States Navy or Air Force. Such opportunities provide financial assistance and a rewarding career after passing the Bar Exam and being admitted to practice in any state's highest court or in federal courts.
Students already attending law schools may also qualify for paid First or second year law school internships with Army JAG
Law school graduates admitted to the Bar, can also receive direct commissioning and acceptance to the
| The United States Air Force also has programs for law school students and for law school graduates: |
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The Navy Judge Advocate General’s (JAG) Corps Student Program (SP)
Persons already graduated from a resident law school with a JD degree can also be considered under the Law Experience Entry program for special agent positions with the FBI.
For more information on Pre-Law or the Legal Studies Certificate, contact Dr. Arthur WINT (278-7027)
If you plan on going to law school or are interested
in the legal system and the proceedings of a criminal trial,
then this is for you!!
The Criminology Department will be launching a National Mock
Trial Associatiom Club for the upcoming
semester, and we are looking for prospective members. The club will offer many
benefits to you not only as a
student, but also as a future job or law school applicant. Through this club
we will be trained by local attorneys
and faculty to be actual trial lawyers and witnesses at regional and national
mock trial competitions. This will
look great on resumes and applications, but the true value will be in the knowledge
and experiences you gain.
A Mock Trial, for those unfamiliar with the program, is literally that, a real
"mock trial". We as members will
perform duties that actual attorneys and witnesses do such as: direct questioning,
opening and closing
statements, testimonies, objections, rules of evidence, cross-examinations,
and so much more. These are skills
that can benifit anyone from a future attorney to a sworn peace officer.
You may be curious about the time committment. The exact logistics
are still being worked out, but we will
prospectively be meeting once a week, most likely being Wednesday evenings.
It will require some outside prep
work, especially if you end up with a position as a lawyer. Even if you don't
want a position though, we are
more than happy to have members join simply to learn the ropes of a trial. The
other thing you may want to
consider...Once we get a team together, we will competing against schools from
across the country in front of
real judges inside their real courtrooms. This is the chance and experience
of a lifetime!
In Memoriam
Professor Harvey Wallace of the Department of Criminology at CSU Fresno, a mentor to criminology students interested in studying law after their graduation, unexpectedly passed away on Thursday, 21 June. Prof. Wallace had previously served six years as the department chair and also held the post of interim associate dean of the College of Social Sciences. Prof. Wallace was a noted expert in the field of Victimology and Family Violence, has published numerous textbooks, and lead the CSU Fresno Mock Trial Club to national prominence.
He most recent research focus was on Human Trafficking and his knowledge and
expertise was sought out by faculty and students alike.
Prof. Wallace was very active in the Criminology Honor’s Program, mentored
new faculty, and served on numerous university-wide committees during his tenure
at CSU Fresno.
Prof. Wallace was also a highly decorated retired Marine Corps Colonel, having
served in the combat arms in Vietnam and later in Desert Storm. Prior to his
position at CSU Fresno, he served as the Fresno City Attorney.
You can access more extensive information on Prof. Wallace’s distinguished
service at: http://fresnostatenews.com/2007/06/harveywallaceobit.htm
In memory of Professor Harvey Wallace the Criminology Department is establishing a scholarship fund for a Victimology option student. Contributions can be sent to:
Professor Harvey Wallace Scholarship Fund
California State University-Fresno, Department of Criminology, 2576 E San Ramon
MS# ST 104, Fresno, CA 93740.
DEDICATION OF BENCH TO DR. HARVEY WALLACE IN COURTYWARD OF SCIENCE II BLDG.
Phi Omega Alpha the CSU Fresno Criminal Justice Association is also collecting funds to dedicate a bench to Dr. Wallace in the center courtyard. of the Science II building, which houses the Criminology Department. The cost of the dedication ranges between $3000-$5000, and the association is grateful for any assistance/donation.
For more information or to arrange a donation, contact Kristine Crothers, President of Phi Omega Alpha at 559-972-1680 or email her at: favbigsisterof7@sbcglobal.net