John Viola

John Viola is an excellent lecturer and a recent addition to the criminal justice department. I've taken two courses and in both, he shows a precise understanding of materials he conveys. His syllabus is structured leaving room for student interests, which he includes in course requirments. His approach to teaching criminal procedure and legal writing and research is pragmatic and relevant. You learn the rules and then apply the facts of a case to analyze and argue your point of view to defend your conclusion. How much fun is that, playing with puzzles?

John creates a very egalitarian learning environment, somewhat modeled after european university education. He views his students as consumers of product and he certainly holds up his part of the bargain. He expects students to do the readings and give one brief and do group projects, but all this is negotiable.

John is not dogamtic and accomdates working students and others by accepting late material due to personal circumstances. His exams are straight-forward and he prepares us the week earlier by reviewing course material. His comments and grading are fair and he is receptive to challenges. He invites social activists into the classroom and invites us to court arraignments and other educational venues.

You will learn and understanding how some of your constitutional rights kick in under various circumstances. You will learn how to research the law and will actually visit a law library ( that dinosaur ) and learn legal online research. You will be empowered to advocate for yourself and others.

Mr. Viola is a lawyer and social justice advocate and trains and defends social activists in San Francisco. He's the real deal.