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Interrogating Bias: Cross-Examination Skills for Antiracist Defenders
October 24, 2024 at 11:30 am – October 26, 2024 at 5:00 pm
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:
Heather N. Pinckney
Executive Director
DC Public Defender Service (PDS)
Cynthia Goode Works
Advocacy Program Director, American University
Washington College of Law (AUWCL)
Lucius T. Outlaw III
Associate Professor of Law & Supervising Attorney, Criminal Justice Clinic
Howard University School of Law
Alison Bloomquist
Public Defender & Vice President, Strategic Alliances & Innovation
National Legal Aid and Defender Association (NLADA)
Pierce Suen
Visiting Professor of Law, Criminal Justice Clinics
Georgetown Law School
David A. Singleton
Professor of Law
University of the District of Columbia
David A. Clarke School of Law (“UDC Law”)
Sellano Simmons
DC Trial Lawyer and Principal
The Law Firm of Sellano L. Simmons, PLLC
Sylvia Smith
Supervising Attorney, Trial Division
DC Public Defender Service (PDS)
Elizabeth Paige White
Trial Attorney, Founder and Managing Member
Legacy Law PLLC
Courtyard by Marriott Bethesda Chevy Chase
5520 Wisconsin Ave, Chevy Chase, MD 20815
- Bus: 17-19 mins
- Walk: 31 mins
- Drive: 8 mins
Embassy Suites by Hilton Washington DC Chevy Chase Pavilion
4300 Military Rd NW, Washington, DC 20015
- Bus: 12 mins
- Walk: 26 mins
- Drive: 5 mins
Please click here to learn more about sponsorship opportunities.
