The Evolving Debate Over Batson’s Procedures for Peremptory Challenges
This article considers the procedures for obtaining a fair and representative jury, specifically the procedures established in Batson v. Kentucky, and then discusses proposals to strengthen steps one, two, and/or three of those procedures.
“Lawful Investigative Activities,” Pretext, and Rule 8.4(c) of the Colorado Rules of Professional Conduct
There are important considerations to ensure a lawyer’s oversight complies with local ethics rules. This article addresses Colorado’s rule and provides practical considerations for lawyers to consider in conducting their own such investigations.
Overcoming Hurdles to Secure Evidence from Social Media Companies in Cybercrime Investigations and Prosecutions
This article identifies primary hurdles international prosecutors face when attempting to collect evidence of a crime from social media companies and offers some recommendations to help reduce cybercrime.
Global Cooperative Efforts to Prevent Cybercrime
Cybercrime is constantly becoming more sophisticated and neither criminal laws, best practices, nor policies addressing cross-border cybercrime have kept up with it.
NAAG and ASCLD Lead an Effort to Assist Puerto Rico Forensic Science Laboratory
Washington, D.C. — The National Association of Attorneys General (NAAG) and the American Society of Crime Laboratory Directors (ASCLD) today announced the completion of a successful two-week mission to assist the Puerto Rico Bureau of Forensic Science (BFS), also known as Negociado de Ciencias Forenses. The mission, which was conducted between April 21 and May…
NAAG & ASCLD Partner to Assist Puerto Rico Forensic Science Laboratory
Washington, D.C. — The National Association of Attorneys General (NAAG), the American Society of Crime Laboratory Directors (ASCLD), and the Governor of Puerto Rico announce the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) among NAAG, ASCLD, and Puerto Rico’s Department of Public Safety. This MOU sets forth the history and future of the Puerto Rico Forensic Science…
Ethics Corner: The Nation’s Prosecutors Uphold Their Sworn Oaths
Many law review articles insist that overzealous prosecutors, intentionally or negligently exceeding the scope of their legitimate authority. This article argues that there is virtually no empirical support for this proposition, and the evidence supports the conclusion that prosecutorial misconduct occurs with admirable infrequency.
Ethics Corner: Prosecutors and PowerPoints
With courts embracing the use of modern technology during trials, prosecutors have turned to PowerPoints in closing arguments to summarize the evidence presented to the jury. The Ethics Corner summarizes cases where appellate courts found that prosecutors had committed professional misconduct in those presentations and gives practice points as to how prosecutors might use presentations ethically and effectively.
Attorneys General Support Federal Prison Reform
Washington, D.C. — NAAG sent a letter to House and Senate leadership today, announcing support for the FIRST STEP Act. “As our jurisdictions’ Attorneys General, public safety and the faithful execution of the law fall squarely on our shoulders. Constituents hold us uniquely accountable for ensuring our communities provide a safe place to work and raise a…
AGs Host Forensic Science Training For Prosecutors
Washington, D.C. — The National Association of Attorneys General (NAAG) is hosting a three-and-a-half day forensic science training starting today in Washington, D.C. This second Forensic Science Symposium will teach approximately 70 federal, state, local, and international prosecutors how to ethically and effectively use forensic science in criminal cases. The training will explain the science behind…