The Office of Defender Services Training Branch of the Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts is offering a Sentencing Advocacy Workshop on November 17-18, 2010 at Colegio de Ingenieros in San Juan, Puerto Rico. Early registration is encouraged. Enrollment for this program is limited to PRACDL members, CJA panel attorneys and federal defenders in Puerto Rico. To register for this workshop online and for a complete list of training programs offered by the Office of Defender Services Training Branch, please visit www.fd.org. And here's the Draft Agenda.
"Since over 95% of federal criminal defendants are sentenced and the Supreme Court affirmed judicial sentencing discretion and "advisory" sentencing guidelines, participation in the Sentencing Advocacy Workshop is not to be missed. The program presents a comprehensive approach to sentencing advocacy. Participants will learn a process for the development of a persuasive, fact-based sentencing theory and the advocacy skills necessary to advance that theory in writing and during sentencing hearings. Presentations and demonstrations will include an update on federal sentencing law, developing mitigation evidence, storytelling and persuasive writing. During the workshop, participants will use a case of their own to brainstorm facts, develop a theory and theme, tell a story, and persuasively write a portion of their sentencing memo."
