Criminal Law Degree

You can have an exciting career when you have a criminal law degree. The legal field branches out into different areas, and criminal law is one of the most interesting and challenging fields. If you have a criminal law degree, you can acquire a position as a prosecuting attorney. A prosecutor usually represents the state or the county where a crime has been committed. The prosecutor’s duty is to prove the validity of charges that have been brought against a defendant in a court case. A prosecuting attorney will also work with family issues dealing with child neglect and juvenile delinquency. If you decide that this area of criminal law would be of interest to you, then you will want to obtain a criminal law degree in order to attain your goal.

You might be interested in becoming a criminal defense attorney. Your duties would include making a case for the defendant in a court action and defending that individual against the charges that have been brought against him or her. Your goal is to try to prove the innocence of the accused. Everyone deserves legal representation in court, and as a defense attorney, you will be the one to provide that representation for the defendant.

If you want criminal law to be your career, you will have to get the proper degree.

• Associate Degree in Criminal Justice: With an Associate degree, you will get an introduction into the criminal justice system and how it works. Your subjects will include court proceedings, criminal investigations, probationary issues, parole, juvenile delinquency and law enforcement. If you have an Associate Degree, you will be able to get an entry-level position as a law enforcement officer, a counselor in a juvenile delinquency program, a court bailiff, a correctional officer or probation/parole officer. You will also be able to progress to higher education.
• Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice: A Bachelor Degree takes four years to complete and will provide you with the knowledge you will need to advance in your criminal justice career. Individuals who are currently in some type of law enforcement will very often progress to this degree. If you are interested in advancing your education in criminal law, a Bachelor Degree will be necessary. You will learn about various crimes and their causes, victims and criminology. A Bachelor of Science Degree that includes studies in the court process will delve more deeply into courtroom proceedings, case law rulings and a better understanding of criminal and Constitutional law. If you intend to go on to law school, you will need this degree.
• Master’s Degree in Criminal Justice: With this degree, you will be ready for further education, if you so desire, including Law School. A Master’s Degree will include courses in Sociology, Criminology, Psychology, Forensic Behavioral Analysis, Juvenile Crime and Criminal Law. With a Master’s Degree, you will have the necessary knowledge to take on managerial positions. You will be instructed on the process of compiling evidence, taking witness statements and testimony and analyzing evidence in order to prove a client’s innocence or motive for committing a crime.
• Doctorate in Criminal Law: For those who are really committed to criminal law, a Doctorate will give you the necessary education to take on a position as a professor or to do consulting or policy researching. You will need to partake in extensive research into real problems that exist in the criminal justice system. You will also receive instruction on ways to improve public policies.