Conference to Focus on New Challenges Facing Prosecutors

by Amie L. Clifford, Assistant Director, National College of District Attorneys

With the passing of the two-year anniversary of the events of 9/11, we are reminded of the vulnerability of our communities. Vulnerability to crimes that have become far too commonplace such as armed robberies, rapes and domestic violence-related murders, and vulnerability to “new” and more frightening types of crimes such as violent attacks upon governmental and other buildings, school shootings and serial sniper shootings. These “new” crimes remind us, as prosecutors, that the manner in which crimes are committed, the number of people who can be affected by a single criminal act and even the crimes themselves have changed. These changes have resulted in new challenges for prosecutors, law enforcement and victim advocates—challenges in responding to victims, investigating crime scenes, obtaining evidence, locating and interrogating suspects, charging suspects and litigating cases in court.

To assist prosecutors, law enforcement and victim advocates in meeting these challenges, the National College will be offering a new conference this year. “Meeting Challenges in Prosecution and Victim Advocacy” will include presentations and workshops on topics such as crime victims’ rights; roles of and relationships between police, prosecutors and victim advocates; funding sources for victim and witness services; victim dynamics; ethical and civil liability concerns of prosecutors and police; discovery obligations of the prosecution team; constitutional evidentiary issues; innovative investigation and prosecution techniques; effective advocacy; dealing with the media; legislation and lobbying; and responding to acts of terrorism, serial crimes or crimes involving multiple victims.

This conference will be held in San Antonio, Texas, from Sunday, December 7 to Thursday, December 11. Please call the National College at (803) 544-5096 or visit its Web site at www.law.sc.edu/ncda/ if you have any questions or would like to register.