Black Public Defender Association

Interrogating Bias: Cross-Examination Skills for Antiracist Defenders
2024-10-24 11:30 - 2024-10-26 17:00 (America/Halifax) | American University, Washington College of Law, 4300 Nebraska Ave NW, Washington, D.C., DC, 20016, United States
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

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

Faculty Bios+

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 ClinicHoward University School of Law

Alison BloomquistPublic Defender & Vice President, Strategic Alliances & InnovationNational Legal Aid and Defender Association (NLADA)

Pierce SuenVisiting Professor of Law, Criminal Justice ClinicsGeorgetown Law School

David A. Singleton Professor of LawUniversity of the District of ColumbiaDavid A. Clarke School of Law (“UDC Law”)

Sellano SimmonsDC Trial Lawyer and PrincipalThe Law Firm of Sellano L. Simmons, PLLC

Sylvia Smith Supervising Attorney, Trial Division DC Public Defender Service (PDS)

Elizabeth Paige WhiteTrial Attorney, Founder and Managing MemberLegacy Law PLLC

Hotels+

Courtyard by Marriott Bethesda Chevy Chase5520 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

Sponsorships+

Please click here to learn more about sponsorship opportunities.
