University of South Carolina School of Law Veterans Rights Project

The Edward Byrne Memorial Discretionary Grants Program (Byrne Discretionary Program) helps local communities improve the capacity of local justice systems and provides for national support efforts. This project is authorized and funded through a line item in the FY 08 Congressional Budget. Funds should be used for purposes recommended by Congress.

The University of South Carolina Research Foundation, School of Law (USC) will provide effective legal representation to participants in the criminal justice system by making legal services available to parties within the criminal justice system. They will also provide technologically enhanced criminal trial training and practical experience to future lawyers. USC will offer a criminal law clinic to provide pro bono legal assistance to parties in the criminal justice system. Students in this clinic will represent parties under the supervision of the faculty, and will receive instruction on law, ethics, and procedures to prepare them to provide effective legal representation. They will also offer students an advanced Criminal Trial Practice course to provide them with simulation and practical exercises. USC will acquire enhanced technology to allow students to develop effective techniques for the use of courtroom technology in criminal litigation and enable instructors to provide higher quality evaluations of student performances in skills such as client interviewing and counseling.

NCA/NCF