Antiracism Training Institute

BDPA is excited to announce the launch of the Antiracism Training Institute! The institute will serve as a space for antiracism education and discourse within the national public defender community and highlight scholarly research and commentary about race and the criminal legal system. The Antiracism Training Institute will offer a mix of virtual and in-person race-conscious trainings on a range of topics throughout the year.

Interrogating Bias: Cross-Examination Skills for Antiracist Defenders

Thursday, October 24- Saturday, October 26

American University Washington College of Law | 4300 Nebraska Ave NW, Washington, DC 20016

Program Description

This cross-examination workshop is a three-day intensive skills training program for defenders of all practice levels who are looking to build their cross-examination skills, particularly in cases involving racial issues. The program’s teaching faculty includes top public defenders, law professors, and private defense attorneys, and combines lectures with on-your-feet skills exercises, feedback sessions, demonstrations, and discussions about navigating racial dynamics in the courtroom.

Participants will engage in an extensive curriculum that includes instruction on cross examination fundamentals, cross-examining on issues of race, developing a case theory, and mastering impeachment.

Cost

Below is the cost per person.

Defenders from Collective Access Program (CAP)* offices – $650
Defenders from non-CAP offices – $950
Non-CAP offices sending four (4) or more defenders – $850

*Please check our website to determine if you are a CAP member.

Schedule

American University Washington College of Law | 4300 Nebraska Ave NW, Washington, DC 20016

Day 1: Thursday, October 24 (11:30 AM – 5:30 PM)

11:30 AM – 12:00 PM: Registration and Lunch (provided)
12:00 PM – 12:30 PM: Welcome and Program Introductions
12:30 PM – 1:30 PM: Lecture 1: Case Theory
1:30 PM – 2:45 PM: Small Group Session 1 – Brainstorming the Case
2:45 PM – 3:00 PM: Break
3:00 PM – 4:00 PM: Lecture 2: The Fundamentals of Cross Examination
4:00 PM – 4:10 PM: Break
4:10 PM – 5:10 PM: Lecture 3: Crossing on Race
5:10 PM – 5:30 PM: Q & A, Wrap-up

Day 2: Friday, October 25, (8:30 AM – 7:30 PM)

8:30 AM – 9:00 AM: Breakfast (continental provided)
9:00 AM – 10:00 AM: Small Group Session 2 – Preparing Your Cross
10:00 AM – 12:00 PM: Small Group Session 3 – On Your Feet Cross
12:00 PM – 1:15 PM: Lunch (on your own)
1:15 PM – 2:30 PM: Panel Discussion: Navigating Racial Dynamics in the Courtroom
2:30 PM – 2:40 PM: Break
2:40 PM – 3:40 PM: Lecture 4: Impeachment Skills
3:40 PM – 3:45 PM: Break
3:45 PM – 5:00 PM: Lecture 5: Beyond Cross: Embracing Antiracist Advocacy
5:30 PM – 7:30 PM: Networking Reception @ UDC Law School, 4340 Connecticut Ave NW, Washington, DC 20008