Criminal Litigation

This advanced course in criminal law offers a comprehensive understanding of criminal litigation, with a focus on the adversarial system and the roles of law enforcement, prosecutors, defense attorneys, and the judiciary.

Course Category: Self-Study Courses

Course Level: Advanced

CLE Credit: Substantive

CLE Hours: 20.0

Fees: $250 for Members and $300 for Non-members

Course Materials: This fully online, interactive course offers a blend of text and immersive scenarios to assist you in preparation for the comprehensive exam.
Description: This advanced course in criminal law offers a comprehensive understanding of criminal litigation, with a focus on the adversarial system and the roles of law enforcement, prosecutors, defense attorneys, and the judiciary. Learners will explore the constitutional rights of defendants, analyze the exclusionary rule, and review the procedural steps involved in a criminal trial, including the admission of evidence and the presentation of witness testimony.
The course also covers the appellate process and effective communication of legal concepts to various stakeholders, ensuring defendants’ rights are upheld. Additionally, participants will enhance their legal research skills, staying current on statutes and case law essential for informed practice in the field.
Upon completion of this course, you will be able to:
  • Demonstrate an understanding of the adversarial nature of criminal litigation, including the roles and responsibilities of all parties involved, such as law enforcement, prosecutors, defense attorneys, and the judiciary.
  • Identify and explain the constitutional rights guaranteed to defendants, including their significance in ensuring fair treatment and due process under the law.
  • Analyze the exclusionary rule and its implications in criminal cases, including the ability to assess whether evidence was obtained in violation of a defendant’s constitutional rights and the potential impact on trial outcomes.
  • Identify the necessary motions to exclude evidence due to violations of constitutional rights, clearly explaining the reasons for these motions in line with applicable legal standards.
  • Evaluate the steps involved in a criminal trial, including the admission of evidence, witness testimony, and the rights of defendants throughout the process.
  • Articulate the appellate process, including defendants’ rights to appeal based on alleged constitutional violations, and identify key factors that may justify an appeal.
  • Communicate complex legal concepts clearly and effectively to clients, attorneys, and other stakeholders, ensuring that defendants’ rights are upheld and understood throughout the litigation process.
  • Conduct effective legal research related to criminal law, staying current on relevant statutes, case law, and legal precedents that inform criminal litigation practice. 

Earning the Criminal Litigation Advanced Certified Paralegal Credential:

  • A passing score is 85%.
  • Three attempts for a passing score are available with this course. (If you do not pass the exam on the three attempts, you must repurchase the course and start over.)
  • The Comprehensive Exam holds full weight of your passing/failing scores.
  • Course Review Task
    • Once the course review task has been completed, an alert is sent to NALA.
    • Upon satisfactory review of your exam results, NALA marks the course 100% complete and begins the process of issuing the certificate and credential* if you are eligible.

* The distinguished ACP© credential is only available to current NALA Certified Paralegals. Anyone, regardless of credentials, may take this course solely for gaining knowledge and will receive a certificate of completion upon successful completion of the course and exam.

Course Year: 2026

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Self-Study Instructions

Access Period

After you purchase a self-study course you will receive an enrollment email. If you do not receive an enrollment email please check your spam and make sure you add noreply@myabsorb.com to your safe senders list.

To access course materials after enrollment please click on “My Courses” then “Self-Study” at nala.education.

Self-Study courses expire after 1 year.

Courses are priced for individual use and consumption and are not intended for rebroadcast and sharing.

Refunds or Cancellations

No cancellations or refunds are provided.

Self-Study FAQs

All self-study courses qualify for CLE through NALA.  For more information on other institutions please click here.

If available, you may use the print function from your browser to print the material. This is copyrighted material and any distribution is strictly prohibited. Not all self-study courses have printable material.

No, a textbook is either included or not necessary for the self-study courses.

No, the courses are designed as continuing education courses and may qualify as meeting continuing education requirements for professional certifications and attorney licenses.  In addition, the courses may be used in the classroom to supplement formal training.  However, the courses are not designed to take the place of formal paralegal training as may be available through a community college or university.