Pretrial Abolition Lab

LW. / LW.
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 examines the systemic harms of pretrial incarceration and the growing body of research that debunks its efficacy and necessity.  Through a multidisciplinary approach, students explore public education and narrative change, conduct research and design pilot projects, develop strategic litigation and law reform strategies, and study innovative non-carceral alternatives to pretrial detention. The Lab empowers students to analyze pretrial practices, create practical solutions, and reimagine a pretrial system without pretrial incarceration. The year culminates in a symposium aimed at building a blueprint for universal pretrial freedom.

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.