Beth A. Merkin

Beth A. Merkin serves as a Lecturer in the Criminal Justice Department at the Henry C. Lee College of Criminal Justice and Forensic Sciences at the University of New Haven. With a distinguished 33-year career as a public defender in New Haven prior to her academic appointment, she brings extensive practical experience in criminal defense to her teaching role. Her professional background includes representing indigent clients accused of serious felony offenses across all stages of the criminal justice process.

Education:

• J.D., University of Connecticut School of Law
• B.A., Brown University

Professor Merkin's research and professional interests focus on the intersection of criminal law and forensic sciences, with particular expertise in mental health defenses, competency claims, and juvenile re-sentencing issues. Her work emphasizes practical application of criminal procedure, especially regarding DNA evidence, child abuse cases, and the law of interrogations. Her extensive courtroom experience informs her teaching approach, connecting theoretical concepts with real-world practice in criminal justice.

As an active commentator on contemporary criminal justice issues, Professor Merkin has provided expert analysis for media outlets on high-profile cases including those involving Donald Trump, Britney Griner, and police misconduct cases. She has explained complex legal concepts such as accelerated rehabilitation programs in Connecticut and competency issues in criminal proceedings to the public through various media appearances.

Professor Merkin maintains an active role in the criminal justice community beyond the classroom. She has served as Interim Inspector General for the City of Hartford from 2021-2022, investigating citizen complaints of police misconduct. She continues to contribute to legal education as a clinical fellow at the University of Connecticut School of Law's Criminal Defense Clinic and has taught at Gateway Community College for many years.

Her teaching portfolio at the University of New Haven includes CJST 2217 Criminal Procedure I, CJST 3399 Professional Practices in Criminal Justice, and CJST 4501 Criminal Justice Internship. Throughout her career, she has mentored numerous student interns at both undergraduate and law school levels, including supervision of Yale Law School clinic students and Liman Fellows placed in the New Haven public defender's office.