Case Study- City St George's- University of London
CRIMINAL APPEALS PROGRAMME- 12 WEEKS
Freedom Law Clinic partnered with City St George's, University of London to deliver a 12-week Criminal Appeals Programme, supporting 120 undergraduate law students per year to gain hands-on experience working on a real criminal appeal case.
The Approach
The programme is structured to mirror the lifecycle of a live criminal appeal, combining weekly teaching with practical casework. Students work on a single case throughout, building skills progressively — from case chronology through to drafting final advice on appeal.
Each session blends:
- Expert-led teaching on criminal appeals law and procedure
- Guided casework using real case papers
- Group discussion and feedback to refine legal analysis and written work
Weekly Progression
Students develop core legal skills in a clear, structured sequence:
- Weeks 1–2: Foundations, case chronology, and legal writing
- Weeks 3–5: Evidential analysis and grounds of appeal
- Weeks 6–8: Reflection, task allocation, and fresh evidence
- Weeks 9–11: Abuse of process and drafting advice
- Week 12: Final review and practical casework completion
This progression ensures students move from theory to practical application with confidence.
The Experience
Students work directly with detailed case materials — including transcripts, witness evidence, and legal documents — developing skills in:
- Evidential analysis
- Legal writing and client communication
- Identifying viable grounds of appeal
- Collaborative legal problem-solving
Alongside weekly sessions, students complete independent casework, reflecting the realities of legal practice.
The Impact
The programme provides:
- Real-world legal experience at undergraduate level
- A clear understanding of the criminal appeals process
- Increased confidence handling complex legal materials
- Stronger employability through practical skills development