Policy Practicum: California Penal Code Revision Committee Project

This policy lab assists the newly formed California Committee for the Revision of the Penal Code in developing strategies for criminal justice reform in California. The Committee is directed by the Governor and state legislature with studying and making recommendations to simplify and rationalize the substance and procedure of criminal law in California. In 2020, the Committee will likely address five areas of the state's criminal justice system, and students will be responsible for helping set reform priorities within those subject areas, researching existing policy strengths and weaknesses, comparing California law with other jurisdictions, consulting with subject-matter experts, and suggesting and analyzing reform proposals. Students will work directly with Committee members and staff and attend Committee hearings in Sacramento and across the state. Elements used in grading: Attendance, Performance, Class Participation, Written Assignments. CONSENT APPLICATION: To apply for this course, students must complete and submit a Consent Application Form available on the SLS website (Click Courses at the bottom of the homepage and then click Consent of Instructor Forms). See Consent Application Form for instructions and submission deadline.