Course Description

The scenarios in homicide cases range from very public random shootings to secretive administrations of poison. Although committed in vastly different ways, whenever there is a killing of another person, there are similarities in the investigation and prosecution of the responsible parties. The charges normally carry severe penalties ranging from long term incarceration to death. The trial of these cases almost always involves the presentation and cross-examination of forensic and expert evidence. There is, more often than in any other category of cases, evidence regarding mental disease or defect defenses. Emotional involvement that motivates hard work and preparation can also cloud judgment and become a double-edged sword. The Prosecuting Homicide Cases course will help prepare prosecutors to deal with these issues.

The College, in its continuing tradition of providing the best training for the prosecution team, has gathered veteran prosecutors, expert witnesses, scientists, and technology specialists to assist you in fine tuning your litigation skills. They will provide cutting edge investigative techniques, outline advances in scientific procedures, and help you build expertise that will increase your ability to successfully meet any challenge these cases may present.

Included in the program may be topics such as:

• Learning from the Forensic Pathologist
• Meeting Mental Defenses
• Prosecuting Vehicular Deaths
• Prioritizing Ethics and Professionalism
• Using Forensic Evidence Experts
• Cross-Examining the Defense Expert Witness
• Overcoming Witness Intimidation
• Persuading with the Visual Trial
• Preserving the Guilty Verdict

Eligibility: Prosecuting Homicide Cases is open to lawyers in local, state, federal and military prosecutors’ offices and investigators who are employed by or who work in close association with a prosecutor’s office.

Course Tuition: The course fee is $595, which includes admission and course materials. The College adheres to a policy of non-discrimination in admissions, scholarship awards and administration. The first attendee from an office pays full tuition. Each additional attendee from the same office will receive a $50 discount for this course.

Cancellation and Refund Policy: Full refunds will be made for cancellations received by 5:00 pm, ten (10) business days prior to the beginning of the course. Refunds, less $60 for administrative fees, will be made for cancellations received after this date for all courses.

Late Registration Fee: If you do not register at least 10 days prior to the start of the course, you will be charged a late registration fee of $60 in addition to regular tuition. This fee also applies to walk-in registrants.

Accommodations: The course will be held at the Holiday Inn Fisherman’s Wharf. The group rate is $140 single/double occupancy per night. To secure this group rate, make reservations by October 23, 2009 by calling the hotel at 800-942-7348 or by calling CEM travel services at 800-247-8785; a first night’s deposit is required.

Travel Services: NCDA’s Travel Agency, CEM Travel Services, can take care of all of your travel needs. Call them at 800-247-8785 (Monday - Friday; 9am - 6pm Central) for airfare and rental car reservations. Hertz offers special discounts for car rentals to the National College of District Attorneys – refer to NCDA Corporate Discount Number 1572962. AVIS also offers special discounts for car rentals to the National College of District Attorneys - refer to Avis Worldwide Discount (AWD) Number D150036.