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Connecticut Animal Law

Desmond's Law Events at UConn Law

UConn School of Law has hosted numerous event pertaining to Desmond's Law, including Desmond's Law Lunch 'N Learn: Protect Animals in Court, and an on-campus symposium entitled, "Animal Cruelty: Legal Challenges and Potential Solutions."  In addition, UConn Law students have worked on cases involving defendants accused of animal cruelty. 

Animal Law Clinic

Students at the UConn School of Law  Animal Law Clinic at UConn School of Law appear in the state courts as court-appointed advocates under Connecticut's "Desmond's Law" to advocate for the interests of justice in cases of animal cruelty.  Students investigate facts, interview experts, perform legal research, draft sentencing and other recommendations fo the court, and present oral arguments.  Students work collaboratively, with two students assigned to each animal cruelty case under close faculty supervision.  This course contains a classroom component consisting of a weekly seminar to develop theoretical and practical foundations necessary for student to manage cases. 

Student Animal Legal Defense Fund

The Student Animal Legal Defense Fund at UConn School of Law is dedicated to promoting the awareness of animal rights and educating the law school community about the legal protection of animal welfare.  Their goal is to assist animal rights organizations such as the ASPCA and local animal shelters.  SALDF strives to provide opportunities for students to learn more about and explore the field of animal law through panel discussions on campus and community volunteering.