Fundamental to any law school education are the analytical, critical thinking, and writing skills necessary to work in the legal profession. A core mission of every law school is to develop those skills. The course "Criminal Justice: Behind the Robe and Beyond" is designed to help law students take a step beyond the fundamental skill set acquired in law school. The course will help students learn about many of the practical aspects of the criminal justice system and of the work legal professionals do within it. Though the course will provide basic information about each distinct area, the goal of the course is to give students a practical understanding of the many factors, legal and non-legal, influencing the outcomes of those who are charged with crimes and affected by crimes.