Criminal Justice Clinic

The Criminal Justice Clinic (Est. 1989) was the first to provide pro bono legal counsel for defendants in Israel, guided by the belief that access to legal representation, regardless of religion, race, ethnicity, gender or economic status, is a fundamental human right. The Clinic provided an impetus for the establishment of the Israeli Public Defense Office, and throughout the years represented clients – suspects, detainees, defendants, and prisoners – in complex cases including those involving prisoner abuse, rights violations and unlawful arrests.

Alongside its collaboration with the Public Defense Office in providing legal representation to defendants who are unable to afford it, the Clinic collaborates with TAU Law’s other clinics on relevant cases. For example, the Clinic represents, together with the Human Rights Clinic, victims of police brutality; it also advocates, together with the Workers’ Rights Clinic, for prisoners’ right to fair wages.

The Clinic’s students become skilled in criminal law and procedure; they are encouraged to think critically about the criminal justice system and examine opportunities for reform. Students take an active part in case management, including preparing cases for trial or plea negotiations. The Clinic hosts several guest lecturers annually, including judges, prosecutors, defense attorneys and law enforcement officials.

Clinical Staff

Dr. Elkana Laist - Academic Supervisor	Dr. Shay Wozner – Academic Supervisor	Moshe Kashales, Adv. – Clinical Instructor