2009 Seminars

“…in the Anglo-American legal system cross-examination is the principle means of undermining the credibility of a witness whose testimony is false or inaccurate.” U.S. v. Salerno 505 U.S. 317 (1992) Stevens, J, Dissenting.

This session is designed to provide a basic overview of the practice of law in the court formerly known as Recorder’s Court. Just how are cases processed in the Wayne County Circuit Court – Criminal Division? What is expected of an attorney when he is appointed to represent an indigent defendant accused of a felony? What changes have been made and what changes might we expect in the future from court administration? During these difficult economic times, how can we defense lawyers handling assignments maximize limited resources in order to more effectively represent our clients?

Experienced trial and appellate attorney Margaret Raben will discuss what trial attorneys need to know about appeals, including how to preserve issues properly; what a trial attorney’s obligation is to the client after conviction, and which trial attorney errors are commonly raised on appeal.

If your DUI case preparation is limited to reading the police report and sending your client off to rehab, you’re losing winnable cases. William Maze will present an overview of tactics and strategies regarding discovery, motion practice and jury trial preparation designed to win DUI cases. Patrick Barone will present The new DataMaster DMT: what’s new, what’s different, what’s changed and how this impacts the defense of drunk driving cases in Michigan.”

Anne Yantus, Director of SADO’s Special Unit on Pleas & Sentencing, will provide a legal update and practical advice on substantive sentencing law and guidelines issues.

Ken Glaza of K & R Audio and Video Forensic Services will demonstrate what you can do with audio or visual evidence in nearly any format. When you receive the in-car video tape from the police department, how will you present it in court? Can you tell whether what is missing was caused by an “equipment failure,” or was the evidence tampered with or corrupted? Ken will demonstrate how your audio or visual evidence can be collected, presented, and enhanced, so that your courtroom presentation will have the impact you desire. Our own “cannabis counsel,” Matthew Abel, will be speaking about the Michigan Medical Marihuana Act, including; the requirements for obtaining a medical recommendation and a state Medical Marihuana Program identification card, where such a recommendation or card may be helpful in defending a marihuana charge, the affirmative defense authorized by the law, court decisions, and pending appellate matters.

Criminal defense attorney Gail Benson and child psychologist Debra Poole will explore issues surrounding the credibility and accuracy of child testimony, as part of a defense to criminal sexual conduct charges.

Attorney John Minock and Professor Bridget McCormack, University of Michigan Law School, will discuss Crawford issues for the trial attorney.

Cooley Law School Professor Ronald J. Bretz returns for a command performance of his updates on recent appellate decisions in Michigan.

Professor David A. Moran, University of Michigan Law School, will analyze the recent decisions of the United States Supreme Court.