Handling Capital Cases (JS 623)
Tuition
1979
Conference Fee
549
Days & Times
to
Classes start at 7:30 a.m. and end at 4 p.m.
Course Location
San Antonio, TX
Course Fees
Tuition
$1979
Conference Fee
$549
A judge who is assigned a capital case feels the difference the moment they learn they will be presiding over a death penalty case. Even a judge with experience in handling major criminal cases may feel lost in navigating the issues that are unique to capital cases.
Judges must serve as guardians of the integrity of the judicial process as well as the rights of those charged with a capital crime. By participating in this course, judges will be able to carefully analyze federal constitutional principles that apply in every phase of the capital case, beginning with the appointment of qualified counsel and continuing through pretrial motions, jury selection, trial logistics, jury instructions, penalty phase particulars, and post-trial motions.
"Without exception, the most qualified, engaging, experienced, and, dare I say, entertaining, faculty I have ever had the pleasure to learn from over my 15 years on the bench." - 2023 Participant
"This was one of the most informative courses I have ever attended, with great activities to illustrate points and great documentation that I can use, not only for death penalty cases, but for all criminal cases as well." - 2023 Participant
towards degree programs
Course $1979
Conference Fee $549
Scholarship assistance makes NJC courses more affordable for judges.
During this course, you will learn to:
- Analyze the federal constitutional principles that apply to state capital cases;
- Manage recurrent pretrial and trial issues in capital cases, including issues related to courtroom security, disruptive conduct, self-representation, jury sequestration, and jury deadlock;
- Administer a fair and efficient jury selection process in a capital case;
- Conduct a proper penalty phase hearing;
- Confront the likely ethical issues that judges face in capital cases; and
- Rule appropriately on post-trial issues including those frequently raised on collateral review by those sentenced to death.
Class Materials
An electronic version of the binder will be shared a week before the class. Hard copies will not be provided. Participants are most welcome to print their binders.
Attire
Business casual: most participants wear jeans, comfortable pants, sneakers, or tennis shoes.
This course qualifies for two credits toward the Master of Judicial Studies Degree Program and Judicial Studies Doctoral Program at the University of Nevada, Reno upon successful completion of the course and passing the course exam. In addition, this course qualifies for The National Judicial College Certificate in Judicial Development Appellate Judicial Skills and General Jurisdiction Trial Skills disciplines.
A judge who is assigned a capital case feels the difference the moment they learn they will be presiding over a death penalty case. Even a judge with experience in handling major criminal cases may feel lost in navigating the issues that are unique to capital cases.
Judges must serve as guardians of the integrity of the judicial process as well as the rights of those charged with a capital crime. By participating in this course, judges will be able to carefully analyze federal constitutional principles that apply in every phase of the capital case, beginning with the appointment of qualified counsel and continuing through pretrial motions, jury selection, trial logistics, jury instructions, penalty phase particulars, and post-trial motions.
"Without exception, the most qualified, engaging, experienced, and, dare I say, entertaining, faculty I have ever had the pleasure to learn from over my 15 years on the bench." - 2023 Participant
"This was one of the most informative courses I have ever attended, with great activities to illustrate points and great documentation that I can use, not only for death penalty cases, but for all criminal cases as well." - 2023 Participant