2023 Best Criminal Law Programs
March 15, 2023

Here are some of the top Criminal Law Programs in the world based on various rankings and factors:
- University of Cambridge – Faculty of Law, UK
- Harvard Law School, USA
- Yale Law School, USA
- Stanford Law School, USA
- New York University School of Law, USA
- University of Oxford – Faculty of Law, UK
- University of Chicago Law School, USA
- Columbia Law School, USA
- University of California, Berkeley – School of Law, USA
- University of Michigan Law School, USA
These rankings may vary depending on the sources and methodology used. It is important to research and consider various factors such as location, cost, curriculum, faculty, and alumni network when choosing a Criminal Law Program.
University of Cambridge
The University of Cambridge, located in Cambridge, England, is one of the oldest and most prestigious universities in the world. Its Faculty of Law is widely recognized as one of the best law schools in the world, and is highly regarded for its expertise in Criminal Law.
Cambridge’s Faculty of Law offers a range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs in law, including the Bachelor of Law (LLB) program and Master of Law (LLM) program in Criminal Law. These programs provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the legal system, criminal law principles, and criminal justice procedures. The faculty also offers doctoral programs for students interested in pursuing research in criminal law.
Cambridge’s Faculty of Law is home to a world-class team of legal experts and scholars, who are dedicated to providing students with an outstanding education and research opportunities. The faculty’s research centers and institutes also offer students the chance to engage in cutting-edge research in criminal law.
In addition to its academic offerings, the Faculty of Law has strong connections with leading law firms, government agencies, and international organizations, providing students with excellent networking opportunities and access to a wide range of career paths.
Harvard Law School
Harvard Law School, located in Cambridge, Massachusetts, is one of the most prestigious law schools in the United States and in the world. The law school is known for its rigorous academic program and diverse student body, as well as for its strong emphasis on public service and legal advocacy.
Harvard Law School offers a range of programs in Criminal Law, including courses in criminal procedure, evidence, criminal law theory, and international criminal law. The school also offers a specialized program in Criminal Justice, which focuses on the legal and policy issues surrounding criminal justice reform, as well as a Criminal Justice Institute that provides students with hands-on experience in criminal defense and prosecution.
In addition to its academic programs, Harvard Law School has a number of research centers and institutes focused on criminal law and justice, including the Charles Hamilton Houston Institute for Race and Justice and the Criminal Justice Policy Program. These centers and institutes provide students with opportunities to engage in cutting-edge research and policy analysis on issues related to criminal law and justice.
Harvard Law School also has a strong alumni network, with many graduates working in prominent positions in government, the private sector, and non-profit organizations. The school’s Office of Career Services provides students with career guidance and support, as well as opportunities to connect with alumni and potential employers.
Stanford Law School, USA
Stanford Law School, located in Stanford, California, is a top-tier law school that is known for its innovative and interdisciplinary approach to legal education. The law school has a strong reputation in Criminal Law, offering a range of courses and programs that provide students with a deep understanding of criminal law principles and legal procedures.
At Stanford Law School, students can pursue a Juris Doctor (JD) degree with a specialization in Criminal Law, as well as a Master of Laws (LLM) degree in Criminal Law and Policy. The law school also offers a joint degree program in Law and Business, which can be particularly useful for students interested in criminal law practice in the corporate sector.
Stanford Law School has a number of research centers and programs focused on criminal law and justice, including the Criminal Justice Center, the Three Strikes Project, and the Stanford Criminal Justice Center. These centers and programs provide students with opportunities to engage in research and policy analysis on a range of issues related to criminal law and justice, including sentencing reform, juvenile justice, and wrongful convictions.
In addition to its academic programs and research centers, Stanford Law School has a strong alumni network, with graduates working in a variety of fields and industries around the world. The law school’s Office of Career Services provides students with career counseling, job search resources, and networking opportunities to help them launch successful careers in criminal law and other areas of the legal profession.
New York University School of Law, USA
New York University School of Law, located in New York City, is one of the top law schools in the United States and is highly regarded for its strong program in Criminal Law. The law school offers a range of courses and programs that provide students with a deep understanding of criminal law principles and legal procedures.
At NYU School of Law, students can pursue a Juris Doctor (JD) degree with a specialization in Criminal Law, as well as a Master of Laws (LLM) degree in Criminal Justice or International Criminal Justice. The law school also offers a range of clinics and experiential learning opportunities, including the Criminal Defense and Reentry Clinic, where students work on real cases representing indigent clients in criminal matters.
NYU School of Law has a number of research centers and programs focused on criminal law and justice, including the Center on the Administration of Criminal Law, the Criminal Justice Lab, and the Center for the Study of Law and Society. These centers and programs provide students with opportunities to engage in research and policy analysis on a range of issues related to criminal law and justice, including policing, mass incarceration, and restorative justice.
In addition to its academic programs and research centers, NYU School of Law has a strong alumni network, with graduates working in a variety of fields and industries around the world. The law school’s Office of Career Services provides students with career counseling, job search resources, and networking opportunities to help them launch successful careers in criminal law and other areas of the legal profession.
University of Oxford – Faculty of Law, UK
The Faculty of Law at the University of Oxford, located in Oxford, England, is one of the most prestigious law schools in the world and is highly regarded for its expertise in Criminal Law. The faculty offers a range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs in law, including the Bachelor of Civil Law (BCL) program and the Master of Law (MLF) program in Criminal Law.
The BCL program is a highly selective postgraduate program that provides students with a deep understanding of legal theory and principles, with a particular emphasis on Criminal Law. The MLF program is designed for students with a background in law who wish to specialize in Criminal Law and pursue advanced research in the field.
The faculty’s research centers and institutes, including the Centre for Criminology and the Centre for Criminological Research, provide students with opportunities to engage in cutting-edge research on a range of issues related to criminal law and justice, including comparative criminal law, criminal justice policy, and sentencing reform.
In addition to its academic offerings and research centers, the Faculty of Law has strong connections with leading law firms, government agencies, and international organizations, providing students with excellent networking opportunities and access to a wide range of career paths. The law school’s Careers Service also provides students with career counseling and support, as well as job search resources and networking events.
University of Chicago Law School, USA
The University of Chicago Law School, located in Chicago, Illinois, is a top-ranked law school with a strong program in Criminal Law. The law school offers a range of courses and programs that provide students with a deep understanding of criminal law principles and legal procedures.
At the University of Chicago Law School, students can pursue a Juris Doctor (JD) degree with a specialization in Criminal Law, as well as a Master of Laws (LLM) degree in Criminal Law and Policy. The law school also offers a range of clinics and experiential learning opportunities, including the Federal Criminal Justice Clinic and the Exoneration Project, where students work on real cases representing clients in criminal matters.
The law school’s research centers and programs focused on criminal law and justice include the Edwin F. Mandel Legal Aid Clinic, the MacArthur Justice Center, and the Pozen Family Center for Human Rights. These centers and programs provide students with opportunities to engage in research and policy analysis on a range of issues related to criminal law and justice, including wrongful convictions, policing, and mass incarceration.
In addition to its academic programs and research centers, the University of Chicago Law School has a strong alumni network, with graduates working in a variety of fields and industries around the world. The law school’s Office of Career Services provides students with career counseling, job search resources, and networking opportunities to help them launch successful careers in criminal law and other areas of the legal profession.
Columbia Law School, USA
Columbia Law School, located in New York City, is a top-ranked law school with a strong program in Criminal Law. The law school offers a range of courses and programs that provide students with a deep understanding of criminal law principles and legal procedures.
At Columbia Law School, students can pursue a Juris Doctor (JD) degree with a specialization in Criminal Law, as well as a Master of Laws (LLM) degree in Criminal Justice. The law school also offers a range of clinics and experiential learning opportunities, including the Criminal Defense and Advocacy Clinic, where students work on real cases representing indigent clients in criminal matters.
Columbia Law School’s research centers and programs focused on criminal law and justice include the Center for Crime, Community, and Law, the Center for the Advancement of Public Integrity, and the Center for Institutional and Social Change. These centers and programs provide students with opportunities to engage in research and policy analysis on a range of issues related to criminal law and justice, including race and criminal justice reform, policing, and juvenile justice.
In addition to its academic programs and research centers, Columbia Law School has a strong alumni network, with graduates working in a variety of fields and industries around the world. The law school’s Office of Career Services provides students with career counseling, job search resources, and networking opportunities to help them launch successful careers in criminal law and other areas of the legal profession.
University of California, Berkeley – School of Law, USA
The University of California, Berkeley School of Law, commonly referred to as Berkeley Law, is a top-ranked law school with a strong program in Criminal Law. The law school offers a range of courses and programs that provide students with a deep understanding of criminal law principles and legal procedures.
At Berkeley Law, students can pursue a Juris Doctor (JD) degree with a specialization in Criminal Law, as well as a Master of Laws (LLM) degree in Criminal Law and Policy. The law school also offers a range of clinics and experiential learning opportunities, including the Death Penalty Clinic, where students work on real cases representing clients on death row.
Berkeley Law’s research centers and programs focused on criminal law and justice include the Berkeley Center for Criminal Justice, the Center for the Study of Law and Society, and the Samuelson Law, Technology & Public Policy Clinic. These centers and programs provide students with opportunities to engage in research and policy analysis on a range of issues related to criminal law and justice, including technology and privacy in criminal justice, mass incarceration, and sentencing reform.
In addition to its academic programs and research centers, Berkeley Law has a strong alumni network, with graduates working in a variety of fields and industries around the world. The law school’s Career Development Office provides students with career counseling, job search resources, and networking opportunities to help them launch successful careers in criminal law and other areas of the legal profession.
University of Michigan Law School, USA
The University of Michigan Law School, located in Ann Arbor, Michigan, is a top-ranked law school with a strong program in . The law school offers a range of courses and programs that provide students with a deep understanding of principles and legal procedures.
At the University of Michigan Law School, students can pursue a Juris Doctor (JD) degree with a specialization in Criminal Law, as well as a Master of Laws (LLM) degree in and Procedure. The law school also offers a range of clinics and experiential learning opportunities, including the Michigan Innocence Clinic, where students work on real cases representing clients who may have been wrongfully convicted.
Michigan Law’s research centers and programs focused on and justice include the Michigan Law Program in Criminal Law and Policy, the National Registry of Exonerations, and the Policing Project. These centers and programs provide students with opportunities to engage in research and policy analysis on a range of issues related to criminal law and justice, including police accountability, wrongful convictions, and criminal justice reform.
In addition to its academic programs and research centers, the University of Michigan Law School has a strong alumni network, with graduates working in a variety of fields and industries around the world. The law school’s Office of Career Planning provides students with career counseling, job search resources, and networking opportunities to help them launch successful careers in criminal law and other areas of the legal profession.