Certificate - Advanced Criminal Practice Paralegal

The Advanced Criminal Practice Certificate Program provides advanced instruction in criminal litigation which will enable graduates to achieve the higher level of competencies outlined by the American Association for Paralegal Education. Many students undertaking this program are changing careers and returning as non-traditional students. As such, they may not be able to maintain a full-time course load, or they might not need to complete a full degree in Paralegal Studies to obtain a job in a law office. This program also meets the needs of students who are already practicing as paralegals, but their employers would like them to expand their knowledge base. This program provides and opportunity for students who have already earned a Paralegal Certificate to earn an advanced certificate in the area of criminal litigation.

Programmatic Outcomes:

Students will develop skill in interpreting Federal and Maine rules of evidence and the application of case law to those rules.  Interpretation includes examining the truth-finding function of the rules and other goals such as trial process efficiency, fairness, effective exercise of guided judicial discretion and regulation of some out of court behavior.

Students will demonstrate improved oral and written presentation skills.

Candidates for an Advanced Criminal Practice Paralegal Certificate are required to complete a minimum of 15 semester credit hours maintaining a 2.0 overall cumulative grade point average. Successful completion of the Paralegal Certificate is required to enroll in this program.