Justifiable Homicide? Firearms in Self-Defense Cases
Program Summary: Self-defense is a fundamental legal right that can be the difference between a conviction or a dismissal. Defending homicide self-defense cases involving a firearm requires more than just legal knowledge—it demands a mastery of forensic science, jury psychology, and strategic litigation.
NACDL’s newest program, “Justifiable Homicide? Firearms in Self-Defense Cases” carefully explains the nuances of today’s self-defense laws to build compelling defenses that challenge the prosecution's narrative and demonstrate the defendant acted in response to imminent danger, not out of malice or criminal intent. You’ll uncover how to effectively argue the reasonableness of the defendant's perception of threat, the proportionality of the response, and the absence of alternatives to use force. Lawyers who are knowledgeable about these issues are more likely to recognize and capitalize on opportunities that others might miss, such as when a seemingly ambiguous situation actually supports a self-defense claim.
Taught by top trial attorneys, forensic experts, and jury consultants, this program will cover:
- Building a Strong Self-Defense Case – Learn how to construct a compelling justification defense, address imminent threat perceptions, and demonstrate reasonable fear of harm to establish self-defense under the law.
- Forensic Science & Medical Evidence Challenges – Understand how to cross-examine forensic pathologists, challenge gunshot wound interpretations, and expose weaknesses in ballistics and crime scene reconstructions to discredit unreliable prosecution evidence.
- Jury Selection & Persuasion in Self-Defense Trials – Master voir dire techniques to identify jurors biased against self-defense claims, develop themes that resonate with the jury, and craft an emotional yet fact-based narrative that underscores your client’s right to defend themselves.
- Countering Prosecutorial Strategies – Anticipate and dismantle common prosecutorial arguments, such as claims of excessive force, provocation, or an unjustified threat, and reinforce your client’s right to stand their ground or use force in defense.
- Weapon & Ballistics Evidence in Self-Defense Cases – Understand gunpowder residue, trajectory analysis, and firearm operability to effectively challenge forensic conclusions and rebut misconceptions about firearm use in self-defense scenarios.
This program offers real-world strategies, expert insights, and battle-tested trial techniques to help defense lawyers win self-defense homicide cases and protect their clients’ constitutional rights.
Obtain the tactical advantage you need to defend firearm self-defense cases with confidence and success!
CLE Credit: Up to 6 hours of self-study CLE credit, where authorized. Please confirm with your state's CLE commission to ensure this program is available for self-study CLE certification.
Programs Included:
1. Self Defense: Preparing & Litigating a Self-Defense Case | Bridget Krause
2. Is It Really a Homicide? Working With and Crossing the Pathologist in a Gunshot Case | Deja Vishny
3. Penetrating and Perforating Injuries…Challenging Forensic Evidence | Dr. Jennifer Johnson
4. Voir Dire in Self-Defense Cases | Eric Davis
5. Forensic Cross in Pattern Matching Cases | Colette Tvedt
6. Thinking Outside the Box: Firearms & Ballistics Defenses | Paul Paradis
7. Voir Dire in Drug, Gun, and Self-Defense Cases | Nicole DeBorde-Hochglaube
Prices
- List Price $129.00
- Member Price $99.00