Life in the Balance

Life in the Balance took place in Houston, Texas, on March 10-12, 2016. While efforts to repeal the death penalty have been laudable, we must be vigilant, skillful, and passionate in defending those accused of capital crimes where it remains. Lives depend on it!
 
Life in the Balance provided an opportunity to learn from and work with the most successful and forward-thinking attorneys, mitigation specialists, investigators, and experts from across the nation. The faculty offered expert guidance and instruction for attorneys, mitigations specialists, and investigators.
 
Plenary Speakers
Life in the Balance featured three members of the team that defended one of the U.S.'s most publicized capital cases. From the Office of the Colorado State Public Defender - which represented James Holmes, who was given multiple life sentences for the 2012 movie theater shooting in Aurora, Colorado that killed 12 and injured 70 - were Daniel King, John Gonglach, and Kevin Bishop.
 
Now Available: Final Program
See the final program of more than 60 sessions. 
 
Topics included:

• Defense team roles and dynamics
• Forensics and technology
• Implicit bias
• Capital case interviewing competencies and skills
• Habeas investigation and case organization
• Juvenile life without parole cases
• The role of victim family forgiveness
• Ethical issues in capital cases
• Practice in the military justice system
• Coping with loss
• Social media
• Complex trauma
• Capital defense trial skills