An ongoing interactive webinar series regularly hosted by NACDL. Wednesdays at 2 pm ET / 11am PT. On this page, you can register for the series, volunteer as faculty, submit feedback, and watch past videos!

Join us for an in-depth discussion on the latest developments in litigation under the First Step Act of 2018.

On December 1, 2024, important changes took place to the Federal Rules of Evidence:  A brand-new Rule (FRE 107-Illustrative Aids) and three amendments that impact our practice became effective (FRE 613(b)-Extrinsic Evidence of a Prior Inconsistent Statement; FRE 804-Statements Against Interest; and FRE 1006-Summaries to Prove Content).  This presentation discusses the substance of those amendments, ways we can use them to our advantage, and traps to be avoided.  This presentation also previews changes that are in the works in the world of federal evidence.

Many attorneys dream of starting their own practice, but don’t know where to start. These exclusive videos will provide guidance on how to make your own firm a reality. These solo/ small-firm practitioners discuss getting clients, developing strategies to succeed in your market, dealing with employees, branding your practice, handling money and doing it all while keeping your sanity.

Are you considering starting your own legal practice or curious about the challenges and successes experienced by those who have taken the leap? Join us for a dynamic and insightful session where our experienced panelists will share their personal journeys, lessons learned, and key strategies for building a thriving law practice.

This second of two sessions provides a roadmap for dealing with character evidence (FRE 404 and 405), including how to defend against 404(b) prior bad act evidence, and how to use FRE 404(b) to bolster the defense case. It will cover character evidence in the context of sexual assault cases (FRE 413) and child molestation cases (FRE 414). How to attack the credibility of witnesses for untruthfulness (FRE 608), and the rules dealing with impeachment by criminal conviction (FRE 609) will also be discussed.

This first of two sessions provides a roadmap for dealing with character evidence (FRE 404 and 405), including how to defend against 404(b) prior bad act evidence, and how to use FRE 404(b) to bolster the defense case. It will cover character evidence in the context of sexual assault cases (FRE 413) and child molestation cases (FRE 414). How to attack the credibility of witnesses for untruthfulness (FRE 608), and the rules dealing with impeachment by criminal conviction (FRE 609) will also be discussed.

Presented by Rene Valladares, Federal Public Defender, District of Nevada

The law of expert evidence has experienced significant recent developments.  This presentation will discuss the recent amendment to Federal Rule of Evidence 702 (experts) and what we as criminal defense lawyers can do to take advantage of the amendment (especially when it comes to excluding government sponsored expert evidence).  The presentation will also cover the recent Supreme Court decisions in Diaz v. United States (opinion on ultimate issue), and Smith v. Arizona (Confrontation Clause).

This presentation focuses on AI’s ever changing impact on the law. Topics include the history of AI, legal applications, who’s responsible for AI use in legal matters, admissibility issues, and ethical considerations. The presentation also includes a discussion about drones' impact on the law and the body of law regulating the industry. Presented by Gregory J. Morse, Esq., King | Morse (West Palm Beach, FL)

Laurie Hallmark discusses how to manage a client through the system using psychiatric advanced directives to aid the courts and other court and police personnel during the trial and placement process. Jacqueline Hall discusses the interface of DNA, neuroscience, and addiction with the criminal legal system. Elizabeth Blackwood hosts the discussion.

Federal prosecutors regularly ask courts to impose sentences within the Guidelines ranges to avoid unwarranted sentencing disparities under 18 USC §3553(a)(6), but these arguments often ignore data about what sentences are actually being imposed, especially in white-collar cases.  The Sentencing Commission has made it easier to see this data through the Judiciary Sentencing Information (JSIN) platform, and regular use of JSIN data is already being tested in 1/3 of federal district courts around the country. 

Professor Judith Resnik will discuss the seismic impact of her recent research on solitary confinement – the Yale Liman Center and Correctional Leaders Association’s ongoing study on solitary confinement in US prisons. The current state of constitutional law regarding solitary confinement exposes two main areas in need of immediate academic intervention: definitional challenges and an absence of data reporting. JoEllyn Jones, defense lawyer and member of NACDL’s Decarceration Committee, will facilitate Prof. Resnik’s discussion of her research and issues in addressing solitary confinement.

The ‘trial penalty’ is the substantial difference between the sentence offered in a plea offer prior to trial versus the sentence a defendant receives after trial. This penalty has become so severe and entrenched that virtually eliminates the constitutional right to a trial. Our speakers discuss how “pleading out” contributes to an unjust system, creates a class of people restricted from participating in society, and how to combat it to save the right to a trial.

Holding Law Enforcement Accountable by Expediting the Review of Body-Camera Footage, Jail Calls, and Other Digital Discovery