About the Annual Review of Criminal Procedure
The Annual Review of Criminal Procedure (ARCP) is a comprehensive, topic-by-topic summary of federal criminal procedure. The goal of the ARCP—which is written, updated, and edited by members of The Georgetown Law Journal—is to provide readers with an objective, concise, and accurate overview of criminal procedure in the federal courts. The current edition of the ARCP, published in September 2025, represents the fifty-fourth year in which the editors and staff of The Georgetown Law Journal have provided this valuable service to the legal community.The ARCP serves as a practical aid to a diverse readership that includes prosecutors and defense attorneys, judges and their law clerks, and prisoners assisting in their own defense or appeal. In conjunction with Georgetown Law, the staff and editors of The Georgetown Law Journal distribute over eleven thousand copies of the ARCP annually.
The Georgetown Law Journal’s Annual Review of Criminal Procedure (ARCP) seeks research assistants for summer 2026. TheARCPis one of the leading authorities on federal criminal procedure and is widely used by federal prosecutors, public defenders, judges, and pro se litigants in federal prisons. Research assistants will perform substantive legal research under the guidance and mentorship of Georgetown Law Journal editors.
Applications will be processed on a rolling basis,but we will not accept applications after 11:59 PM EST on March 27, 2026, barring extraordinary circumstances.Complete the application here.
Copies of theARCPmust be purchased separately from the rest ofThe Georgetown Law Journal’sissues. Special rates are available for qualifying individuals.
For subscription questions or related inquiries, email lawcriminalprocedure@georgetown.edu(This link opens in a new tab).
We strongly encourage our readers to send comments and suggestions so that future staff members and editors can continue to improve theARCP. We also welcome contact from organizations, such as books-to-prisoners programs, who are interested in cooperating in efforts to achieve wider distribution of theARCPto prisoners.
The Georgetown Law JournalAttn: Annual Review of Criminal Procedure Editor-in-Chief600 New Jersey Avenue, NWWashington, DC 20001
Executive Summary
The Annual Review of Criminal Procedure (ARCP) is a comprehensive summary of federal criminal procedure published by The Georgetown Law Journal. The ARCP provides an objective and concise overview of criminal procedure in federal courts, serving as a practical aid to prosecutors, defense attorneys, judges, and prisoners. The current edition represents the fifty-fourth year of publication, with over eleven thousand copies distributed annually.
Key Points
- ▸ The ARCP is a comprehensive summary of federal criminal procedure
- ▸ It is written, updated, and edited by members of The Georgetown Law Journal
- ▸ The ARCP serves as a practical aid to a diverse readership, including prosecutors, defense attorneys, judges, and prisoners
Merits
Comprehensive Coverage
The ARCP provides a thorough and detailed overview of federal criminal procedure
Objective and Concise
The ARCP offers an objective and concise summary of complex legal topics
Demerits
Limited Accessibility
Copies of the ARCP must be purchased separately, which may limit accessibility for some individuals
Dependence on Volunteers
The ARCP relies on research assistants and editors, which may lead to inconsistencies in quality and coverage
Expert Commentary
The Annual Review of Criminal Procedure is a vital resource for the legal community, providing a comprehensive and concise overview of federal criminal procedure. The ARCP's commitment to objectivity and accuracy is commendable, and its efforts to increase accessibility and distribution are noteworthy. However, the ARCP's limitations, such as its dependence on volunteers and limited accessibility, must be addressed to ensure its continued relevance and effectiveness.
Recommendations
- ✓ Increase accessibility and distribution efforts, particularly for prisoners and pro se litigants
- ✓ Explore digital formats and online resources to enhance the ARCP's reach and usability
