Pretrial Abolition Lab
| LW.12984 / LW.12985 Professor Justine Olderman Open to 3L and 2L students Maximum of 8 students | Year-long course 8 credits* No prerequisites or co-requisites. |
Course Description
The Pretrial Abolition Lab is building a multi-decade, interdisciplinary blueprint for ending the practice of pretrial detention. Students in the Lab will learn about the systemic harms of pretrial incarceration and the growing body of research that debunks its efficacy and necessity; study the different aspects of the pretrial justice movement, and assess the various challenges and innovations in the field. Simultaenously, students will work with advisors and experts to develop recommendations for advancing pretrial justice across 5 core pillars: public education and narrative change, research and data, strategic litigation and law reform, and innovative non-carceral alternatives to pretrial detention. The year culminates in a symposium aimed at advancing a blueprint for universal pretrial freedom. The Lab empowers students to analyze pretrial practices, create practical solutions, and reimagine a pretrial system without pretrial incarceration.
Application Procedure
Students interested in applying for the Lab should submit the standard application, resume, and transcript online through CAMS. Admission will be based on the written application and an interview.
* 8 credits include 2 externship credits and 2 academic seminar credits per semester.