Criminal Justice Program
A history of racial and social justice
The Schulich Law experience is steeped in the Weldon Tradition of unselfish public service, which shapes the social justice orientation of our criminal law faculty. The school continues to play a role in addressing the legacy of slavery, segregation and colonialism in Nova Scotia through the Indigenous Blacks & Mi’kmaq (IB&M) Initiative, which was created in 1989 in response to the recommendations of the Marshall Commission, community advocacy and faculty leadership.
A thriving criminal justice community
Schulich Law is home to an active criminal justice community. Through the Criminal Justice Coalition, students, faculty and alumni work together to host a speaker series, fundraisers and other events.
Follow the Coalition on: Instagram @Criminal.Justice.Coalition | Twitter @Schulich_CrimJ
Upcoming Events
From the Career Development Office
DCLSA 25/26 Executive
Co-President: Melanie Smith
Co-President: Alisia Januszczak
VP Student Outreach: Maya Vidovich
VP Careers: Adrienne Graham
VP Finance: Alanah Ellsworth
VP Communications: Markus Hong
VP Events: Galen Tweedale
A Holistic Approach
At the Schulich School of Law, we acknowledge the importance of substantive and procedural criminal law and also recognize that criminal justice interacts in a variety of ways with society and individuals. Our research and teaching look at what influences criminal justice, and who criminal justice affects, while being alert to alternatives that may be better suited to respond to factors that influence crime.
We are concerned about the impacts the criminal justice system has on marginalized communities and individuals, both as victims and perpetrators. We believe that criminal justice must be understood in a social justice context, and that community engagement is central to a fair and transparent criminal justice process.
If you believe that criminal justice goes beyond enforcing the law to examine the factors behind why crimes happen, and you have passion to serve the community and make a difference, then Schulich Law is the place for you.
Specialize in Criminal Justice
We are committed to providing a broad, practical, and well-rounded educational experience to students studying criminal justice. Our course offerings include both large and small group classes that combine lectures, discussions, and active learning techniques. They provide training in trial and appellate advocacy skills, in-depth approaches to advanced concepts, and substantial opportunities for experiential and clinical learning.
Our Criminal Justice Specialization gives JD students an opportunity to focus on this area and earn a certificate upon graduation.
Students interested in registering for the Criminal Justice Specialization Certificate must complete the registration form found here. Once completed, send it to criminaljustice@dal.ca as early as possible and ideally at the start of their second year.
For questions about the Criminal Justice specialization, please email criminaljustice@dal.ca.
Specialization Requirements
To graduate with a specialization in Criminal Justice, students must:
- Complete the mandatory core criminal law courses LAWS 2008 Evidence and LAWS 2091 Criminal Procedure (8 credit hours total);
- Complete 8 credit hours of electives chosen from the lists below. Students must take at least 1 course from each basket.
NOTE: Subject to exceptional circumstances and approval of the associate dean (academic) and the relevant certificate directors, students may graduate with a maximum of two certificates.
Credits from a maximum of two individual courses may be counted toward two different certificates.
For example: Credits earned in LAWS 2127/2128 Mental Disability Law: Criminal may count toward both the Health Law Certificate and the Criminal Justice Certificate.
Experiential Learning
Our students have many opportunities to engage with the community, and get practical experience:
- Third-year students can spend a term working at the Dalhousie Legal Aid Service (DLAS) where they may participate in youth sentencings, bail hearings, trials, peace bond applications and prison law work.
- Internships, both in Canada and abroad, can offer opportunities to work with organizations dedicated to criminal justice.
- Pro Bono Dalhousie provides an opportunity for 180 student volunteers to work with more than 50 community organizations, 15 of which currently deal with criminal justice issues including the Elizabeth Fry Society, the Canadian Prison Law Association and Innocence Canada.
- We participate in both the Sopinka and Gale Cup moots, which focus on criminal matters.
- In the Criminal Clinic course, students shadow a defence lawyer, Crown attorney or judge for a term, attending trials and gaining exposure to the criminal justice system.
- In the Sexual Assault Clinic course students learn through field activities with crown attorneys who specialize in this area, and other professionals involved in sexual assault cases.
- In the Criminal Appeals Practice and Criminal Trial Practice courses, students are given practical exposure to the entire process of conducting an appeal or a trial in a criminal case.
Our Faculty
Schulich Law's criminal justice faculty members are world renowned experts in their field. Students have the opportunity to work one-on-one with professors who are passionately devoted to mentoring students.
Phone: 902-494-1035
Mailing Address:
PO Box 15000 Halifax, Nova Scotia B3H 4R2
Phone: 902-494-1005
Mailing Address:
PO Box 15000 Halifax, Nova Scotia B3H 4R2
Phone: 902-494-1012
Mailing Address:
PO Box 15000 Halifax, Nova Scotia B3H 4R2
Phone: 902-494-7876
Mailing Address:
6061 University Avenue
PO Box 15000
Halifax, Nova Scotia B3H 4R2
Phone: 902-494-1296
Mailing Address:
6061 University Avenue
PO Box 15000
Halifax, Nova Scotia B3H 4R2
Phone: 902-494-1003
Mailing Address:
PO Box 15000 Halifax, Nova Scotia B3H 4R2
Phone: 902-494-1013
Mailing Address:
PO Box 15000 Halifax, Nova Scotia B3H 4R2
Phone: 902-423-8105
Mailing Address:
Halifax, Nova Scotia B3K 0H8
Phone: 902-494-4294
Mailing Address:
PO Box 15000 Halifax, Nova Scotia B3H 4R2
Phone: 902-494-2863
Mailing Address:
PO Box 15000 Halifax, Nova Scotia B3H 4R2
Career Paths
The opportunities to work in this interesting and complex area of the law are broad and diverse. Whether your goal is to work as a criminal lawyer, for a non-governmental organization, as an academic, or as a legal policy analyst, your education at Schulich Law will prepare you for the career path of your choice. Many of our alumni have gone on to distinguished careers in the criminal justice sphere.
A Recent Graduate's Perspective
The Criminal Justice Certificate provides students with the opportunity to receive a well-rounded legal education with a focus on courses that delve into the many interesting facets of criminal law and criminal justice.
~ALY SUTTON (JD '21)
An Alumni Perspective
This new certificate is a first for the country and will provide vital opportunities for students, who will benefit in ways that will undoubtedly lead us into the future."
~SENATOR KIM PATE (LLB '84)
