Federal Criminal Investigation

This course is primarily concerned with the investigation, prosecution and defense of complex federal criminal cases. Topics include planning investigations, the use of informants and undercover agents, electronic and video surveillance, the grand jury, plea bargaining, narcotics statutes, fraud statutes, RICO, OCRA, and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines. By focusing upon actual criminal investigations, the course will provide an overview of the federal and New York criminal justice systems from the initiation of an investigation to acquittal or conviction. Students will examine complaints, warrants, indictments, immunity and plea agreements, and memoranda prepared during the course of the investigation and litigation of those cases. The course will include panel discussions with agents, prosecutors, and defense counsel who participated in those cases and investigations.

Grading and Method of Evaluation:
Letter grade with pass/fail option. Final exam.