Criminal procedure looks at how different countries and governments establish the guilt or innocence of the accused. Students may study how procedure regulates the relationships between parties in trials. Studies may also examine restraints on government and law enforcement investigation of crime.

Requirements for the PhD program often involve the student having already obtained a Master’s degree. Additionally, a thesis or dissertation primarily consisting of original academic research must be submitted. In some countries, this work may even need to be defended in front of a panel.