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.
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.
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
Day 3: Saturday, October 26 (9:00 AM – 3:00 PM)
- 9:00 AM – 9:30 AM: Breakfast (continental provided)
- 9:30 AM – 10:30 AM: Small Group Session 4: Impeachment Drills
- 10:30 AM – 12:30 PM: Small Group Session 5: On Your Feet Cross (Round 2)
- 12:30 PM – 1:30 PM: Lunch (on your own)
- 1:30 PM – 2:30 PM: Cross-Examination Demonstrations
- 2:30 PM – 3:00 PM: Closing Remarks, Reflections, and Workshop Evaluation
Some members of the program’s faculty include:
Executive Director
DC Public Defender Service (PDS)
Advocacy Program Director, American University
Washington College of Law (AUWCL)
Associate Professor of Law & Supervising Attorney, Criminal Justice Clinic
Howard University School of Law
Public Defender & Vice President, Strategic Alliances & Innovation
National Legal Aid and Defender Association (NLADA)
Visiting Professor of Law, Criminal Justice Clinics
Georgetown Law School
Professor of Law
University of the District of Columbia
David A. Clarke School of Law (“UDC Law”)
DC Trial Lawyer and Principal
The Law Firm of Sellano L. Simmons, PLLC
Supervising Attorney, Trial Division
DC Public Defender Service (PDS)
Trial Attorney, Founder and Managing Member
Legacy Law PLLC
Please click here to learn more about sponsorship opportunities.
Questions? Contact BPDA Training Director Ieshaah Murphy at training@blackdefender.org.