5 answers
hay
Student
Tampa, Florida
1
Question
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What are the best fields of law to go into for someone who enjoys politics, but also enjoys studying criminal cases?
However, the idea of defending a criminal does not sit right with me, and having a criminal get out of jail come after me for prosecuting them is also nerve wracking.
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5 answers
James Constantine Frangos
Consultant Dietitian & Software Developer since 1972 => Nutrition Education => Health & Longevity => Self-Actualization.
6175
Answers
Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
Updated
James Constantine’s Answer
Hello there!
If you're someone who has a keen interest in politics and a fascination with studying criminal cases, there's a whole world of legal careers that might be just right for you. It's all about finding the perfect blend of your love for politics and criminal law, while also staying true to your personal beliefs and preferences.
One such career path is public interest law. Public interest lawyers are the superheroes of the legal world, providing much-needed representation for individuals or groups who can't afford it. They often focus on big-picture issues like civil rights, social justice, and advocating for marginalized communities. As a public interest lawyer, you could work on criminal justice reform, policy advocacy, and litigation related to criminal cases. This is a field where you can really make a difference in the criminal justice system and tackle broader political issues at the same time.
Another exciting field to consider is constitutional law. Constitutional lawyers are the guardians of the constitution, dealing with issues related to its interpretation and application. They often work on cases involving civil liberties, individual rights, and government powers. Constitutional law intersects with criminal law in areas like search and seizure, due process, and the rights of the accused. This field allows you to dive into legal analysis and political discourse, all while focusing on the constitutional framework that supports our criminal justice system.
You might also be interested in administrative law. Administrative lawyers are experts in the regulations and procedures of government agencies. They handle cases involving administrative hearings, rulemaking, and enforcement actions. In the context of criminal law, administrative lawyers may work on cases related to regulatory compliance, licensing boards, or professional disciplinary actions. This field allows you to explore the intersection between politics and criminal law by understanding how government agencies operate and influence the criminal justice system.
It's important to remember that while these fields offer opportunities to engage with politics and criminal law without directly defending criminals, every person has a right to legal representation. Defense attorneys play a crucial role in ensuring a fair trial and upholding the principles of justice. But if defending criminals doesn't sit right with your personal values, there are other paths in the legal profession that still allow you to influence criminal justice and political issues.
So, if you love politics and studying criminal cases, but aren't comfortable with defending criminals, fields like public interest law, constitutional law, and administrative law could be a great fit for you. These fields let you work on criminal justice reform, civil liberties, and government regulations, all while staying true to your personal values.
Top 3 Authoritative Reference Publications or Domain Names Used:
1. American Bar Association (www.americanbar.org)
2. U.S. News & World Report - Best Law Schools (www.usnews.com)
3. Harvard Law School (hls.harvard.edu)
If you're someone who has a keen interest in politics and a fascination with studying criminal cases, there's a whole world of legal careers that might be just right for you. It's all about finding the perfect blend of your love for politics and criminal law, while also staying true to your personal beliefs and preferences.
One such career path is public interest law. Public interest lawyers are the superheroes of the legal world, providing much-needed representation for individuals or groups who can't afford it. They often focus on big-picture issues like civil rights, social justice, and advocating for marginalized communities. As a public interest lawyer, you could work on criminal justice reform, policy advocacy, and litigation related to criminal cases. This is a field where you can really make a difference in the criminal justice system and tackle broader political issues at the same time.
Another exciting field to consider is constitutional law. Constitutional lawyers are the guardians of the constitution, dealing with issues related to its interpretation and application. They often work on cases involving civil liberties, individual rights, and government powers. Constitutional law intersects with criminal law in areas like search and seizure, due process, and the rights of the accused. This field allows you to dive into legal analysis and political discourse, all while focusing on the constitutional framework that supports our criminal justice system.
You might also be interested in administrative law. Administrative lawyers are experts in the regulations and procedures of government agencies. They handle cases involving administrative hearings, rulemaking, and enforcement actions. In the context of criminal law, administrative lawyers may work on cases related to regulatory compliance, licensing boards, or professional disciplinary actions. This field allows you to explore the intersection between politics and criminal law by understanding how government agencies operate and influence the criminal justice system.
It's important to remember that while these fields offer opportunities to engage with politics and criminal law without directly defending criminals, every person has a right to legal representation. Defense attorneys play a crucial role in ensuring a fair trial and upholding the principles of justice. But if defending criminals doesn't sit right with your personal values, there are other paths in the legal profession that still allow you to influence criminal justice and political issues.
So, if you love politics and studying criminal cases, but aren't comfortable with defending criminals, fields like public interest law, constitutional law, and administrative law could be a great fit for you. These fields let you work on criminal justice reform, civil liberties, and government regulations, all while staying true to your personal values.
Top 3 Authoritative Reference Publications or Domain Names Used:
1. American Bar Association (www.americanbar.org)
2. U.S. News & World Report - Best Law Schools (www.usnews.com)
3. Harvard Law School (hls.harvard.edu)
James, thanks for the detailed responses you give - it helps make this an awesome site!
Kim Igleheart
Thanks for that positive feedback Kim. That is great to have some praise! It lets you know People are happy with Your work! Why, it is because some of the information is indispensable, it enables People to be empowered, achieving self-actualization.
James Constantine Frangos
Anasa Lattibeaudaire
Career Counselor
24
Answers
Miami, Florida
Updated
Anasa’s Answer
Hi Hay,
If you enjoy politics and studying criminal cases, you can consider the following fields:
- Criminal Law: It allows you to work on cases related to criminal offenses, such as theft, assault, or white-collar crimes, such as fraud, embezzlement, money laundering, identity theft, and online crime. You can become a prosecutor, defense attorney, or even a judge.
- Public Policy Law: It allows you to work on legal aspects of government policies and regulations.
- Constitutional Law: Lawyers in this field focus on interpreting, applying, and enforcing a country's constitution. This would be perfect for someone interested in political and civil rights issues.
- Human Rights Law: If you're passionate about human rights and social justice, this field will involve addressing human rights violations nationally and internationally.
- International Law: This deals with legal issues on a global scale and is often tied to international politics and diplomacy (promoting peace, fostering alliances between nations, representing their country's best interests).
- Employment and Labor Law: If someone has an interest in human resources, this field focuses on employment relationships, workplace regulations, and employee rights.
Consider your interests before choosing the right field of law for you to practice. Now, it is okay that you have concerns about your personal safety if you do choose to work in criminal law. I suggest speaking with colleagues or a supervisor once you've established yourself in the field. Create a strong network of people. Ask about any resources or counseling that is vital to working in this field.
Finally, this is advice for anyone and any field, but be aware of your surroundings whether in your personal or professional space. Maintaining situational awareness will make sure that you're making safe decisions. Always trust your instincts.
If you enjoy politics and studying criminal cases, you can consider the following fields:
- Criminal Law: It allows you to work on cases related to criminal offenses, such as theft, assault, or white-collar crimes, such as fraud, embezzlement, money laundering, identity theft, and online crime. You can become a prosecutor, defense attorney, or even a judge.
- Public Policy Law: It allows you to work on legal aspects of government policies and regulations.
- Constitutional Law: Lawyers in this field focus on interpreting, applying, and enforcing a country's constitution. This would be perfect for someone interested in political and civil rights issues.
- Human Rights Law: If you're passionate about human rights and social justice, this field will involve addressing human rights violations nationally and internationally.
- International Law: This deals with legal issues on a global scale and is often tied to international politics and diplomacy (promoting peace, fostering alliances between nations, representing their country's best interests).
- Employment and Labor Law: If someone has an interest in human resources, this field focuses on employment relationships, workplace regulations, and employee rights.
Consider your interests before choosing the right field of law for you to practice. Now, it is okay that you have concerns about your personal safety if you do choose to work in criminal law. I suggest speaking with colleagues or a supervisor once you've established yourself in the field. Create a strong network of people. Ask about any resources or counseling that is vital to working in this field.
Finally, this is advice for anyone and any field, but be aware of your surroundings whether in your personal or professional space. Maintaining situational awareness will make sure that you're making safe decisions. Always trust your instincts.
Thank you so much! This was very helpful!
hay
Rodrigo Drummond
Presales Solutions Datacenter Architect
5
Answers
Brasília, Federal District, Brazil
Updated
Rodrigo’s Answer
Hi Ray, i think if you're into politics and digging into criminal cases but don't want to be a defense attorney or worry about vengeful ex-criminals, don't sweat it! There are still plenty of exciting legal paths for you:
Criminal Prosecutor: While you mentioned concerns about defense work, being a prosecutor lets you fight for justice on the other side. You'll work with law enforcement, build cases against criminals, and help make your community safer.
Criminal Law Policy: Dive into the political side of criminal law by shaping policies and laws. Work for government agencies, non-profits, or as a legal advisor to politicians. You'll have a hand in shaping the justice system.
Legislative Drafting: Ever dreamed of writing laws? You can help create new legislation or amend existing ones. It's a great way to meld politics and law, ensuring that justice is served at the policy level.
Legal Research and Analysis: Become a legal researcher or analyst. You'll pore over cases, statutes, and legal texts, providing valuable insights for policymakers, law firms, or legal departments.
Public Interest Law: Work for non-profits or organizations that champion the rights of the underprivileged. It's a rewarding way to blend politics with law while making a positive impact.
Environmental Law: Get into the legal aspects of politics by focusing on environmental issues. This field often involves criminal cases related to environmental regulations and policies.
Government Law: Become a government attorney, advising government agencies on legal matters. You'll be in the mix of politics without directly dealing with criminals.
International Law and Human Rights: Explore global politics and human rights. Work for organizations like the United Nations, focusing on international criminal cases and policy.
Election Law: If you're politically inclined, specializing in election law could be thrilling. You'll tackle issues like campaign financing, voting rights, and political ethics.
Constitutional Law: Dive into the heart of the legal and political systems. Constitutional lawyers work on issues that impact fundamental rights and government powers.
So, don't let the defense attorney role hold you back. The legal field offers a wide array of opportunities that blend your love for politics and your interest in criminal cases, all without losing sleep over angry ex-criminals.
Criminal Prosecutor: While you mentioned concerns about defense work, being a prosecutor lets you fight for justice on the other side. You'll work with law enforcement, build cases against criminals, and help make your community safer.
Criminal Law Policy: Dive into the political side of criminal law by shaping policies and laws. Work for government agencies, non-profits, or as a legal advisor to politicians. You'll have a hand in shaping the justice system.
Legislative Drafting: Ever dreamed of writing laws? You can help create new legislation or amend existing ones. It's a great way to meld politics and law, ensuring that justice is served at the policy level.
Legal Research and Analysis: Become a legal researcher or analyst. You'll pore over cases, statutes, and legal texts, providing valuable insights for policymakers, law firms, or legal departments.
Public Interest Law: Work for non-profits or organizations that champion the rights of the underprivileged. It's a rewarding way to blend politics with law while making a positive impact.
Environmental Law: Get into the legal aspects of politics by focusing on environmental issues. This field often involves criminal cases related to environmental regulations and policies.
Government Law: Become a government attorney, advising government agencies on legal matters. You'll be in the mix of politics without directly dealing with criminals.
International Law and Human Rights: Explore global politics and human rights. Work for organizations like the United Nations, focusing on international criminal cases and policy.
Election Law: If you're politically inclined, specializing in election law could be thrilling. You'll tackle issues like campaign financing, voting rights, and political ethics.
Constitutional Law: Dive into the heart of the legal and political systems. Constitutional lawyers work on issues that impact fundamental rights and government powers.
So, don't let the defense attorney role hold you back. The legal field offers a wide array of opportunities that blend your love for politics and your interest in criminal cases, all without losing sleep over angry ex-criminals.
smita singh
Business program management
3
Answers
Singapore
Updated
smita’s Answer
If you're a student in Tampa, Florida, and you have a strong interest in politics and studying criminal cases but are hesitant about defending criminals, there are several fields of law that you can consider:
Prosecution: If you want to be involved in criminal cases but have reservations about defending criminals, becoming a prosecutor could be a good fit. As a prosecutor, your role is to represent the government in criminal cases and seek justice for victims and the community.
Criminal Law: You can focus on criminal law from the perspective of a victim's advocate or a legal researcher. This way, you can work on behalf of victims, helping them navigate the legal system and seek justice.
Civil Rights Law: This field allows you to work on cases that intersect with politics. You can handle cases involving issues such as civil liberties, discrimination, and constitutional law. These cases often have a political dimension.
Public Policy and Advocacy: If you enjoy politics, consider working in public policy and advocacy. This role involves shaping and influencing the law through research, lobbying, and working with government agencies.
Criminal Justice Reform: If you're passionate about improving the criminal justice system, you can work in organizations and roles dedicated to criminal justice reform. This can involve advocacy, research, and policy development.
Government and Regulatory Law: This field involves dealing with government regulations and policies. You can work for government agencies or as a legal consultant to businesses that navigate government rules and regulations.
Election Law: Given your interest in politics, election law focuses on issues like campaign finance, election disputes, and voting rights. This field plays a crucial role in the political process.
Environmental Law: Environmental law is a field that combines legal expertise with politics, particularly in areas related to environmental regulations, conservation, and policy advocacy.
International Law: If you have an interest in politics on a global scale, international law can be a fascinating field. It involves working on issues of international relations, treaties, and global governance.
It's important to research these fields further, perhaps intern or volunteer in relevant positions to gain a better understanding, and seek advice from professors or legal professionals who can provide insights into the day-to-day work in these areas. Your choice should align with your values, interests, and career goals.
Prosecution: If you want to be involved in criminal cases but have reservations about defending criminals, becoming a prosecutor could be a good fit. As a prosecutor, your role is to represent the government in criminal cases and seek justice for victims and the community.
Criminal Law: You can focus on criminal law from the perspective of a victim's advocate or a legal researcher. This way, you can work on behalf of victims, helping them navigate the legal system and seek justice.
Civil Rights Law: This field allows you to work on cases that intersect with politics. You can handle cases involving issues such as civil liberties, discrimination, and constitutional law. These cases often have a political dimension.
Public Policy and Advocacy: If you enjoy politics, consider working in public policy and advocacy. This role involves shaping and influencing the law through research, lobbying, and working with government agencies.
Criminal Justice Reform: If you're passionate about improving the criminal justice system, you can work in organizations and roles dedicated to criminal justice reform. This can involve advocacy, research, and policy development.
Government and Regulatory Law: This field involves dealing with government regulations and policies. You can work for government agencies or as a legal consultant to businesses that navigate government rules and regulations.
Election Law: Given your interest in politics, election law focuses on issues like campaign finance, election disputes, and voting rights. This field plays a crucial role in the political process.
Environmental Law: Environmental law is a field that combines legal expertise with politics, particularly in areas related to environmental regulations, conservation, and policy advocacy.
International Law: If you have an interest in politics on a global scale, international law can be a fascinating field. It involves working on issues of international relations, treaties, and global governance.
It's important to research these fields further, perhaps intern or volunteer in relevant positions to gain a better understanding, and seek advice from professors or legal professionals who can provide insights into the day-to-day work in these areas. Your choice should align with your values, interests, and career goals.
Kim Igleheart
Career Counselor | Police Officer
1738
Answers
San Antonio, Texas
Updated
Kim’s Answer
Hay,
Criminal law is a lot different than TV portrays, or, even what school teaches. A high percentage of cases settle out of court, I think about 95%. So it's not about courtroom theatrics, at least not most of the time. As was mentioned earlier, everyone deserves a shot at justice. But, sadly, MANY innocent people take a guilty plea because the offer on the table from the DA's office is a whole lot better than what might happen to them if they are found guilty.
So, a criminal defense attorney needs to do their homework, establish the facts of the case, figure out how strong the prosecutor's case is, and know what sort of plea offers are customary for various offenses and classes of offenders. They need to be able to bluff, and to get along.
If it's not for you, that's okay. I just wanted to explain a little. Innocent people get caught up in the justice system all the time. There's room for improvement. Perhaps that can be your project?
Anyway, lots of good advice already, hope you find something that works for you!
Kim
Criminal law is a lot different than TV portrays, or, even what school teaches. A high percentage of cases settle out of court, I think about 95%. So it's not about courtroom theatrics, at least not most of the time. As was mentioned earlier, everyone deserves a shot at justice. But, sadly, MANY innocent people take a guilty plea because the offer on the table from the DA's office is a whole lot better than what might happen to them if they are found guilty.
So, a criminal defense attorney needs to do their homework, establish the facts of the case, figure out how strong the prosecutor's case is, and know what sort of plea offers are customary for various offenses and classes of offenders. They need to be able to bluff, and to get along.
If it's not for you, that's okay. I just wanted to explain a little. Innocent people get caught up in the justice system all the time. There's room for improvement. Perhaps that can be your project?
Anyway, lots of good advice already, hope you find something that works for you!
Kim
Probably Criminal justice
Grant