Product Description

This program offers prosecution and defense perspectives on contemporary issues arising during the investigation and trial of homicide cases. Learn about and discuss the latest trends and developments in the trials of homicide cases throughout the Commonwealth from a legal, practical, and tactical standpoint. Hear from practitioners from all across the state with years of homicide trial experience as they offer guidance about the prerequisites to success in the courtroom when handling these most serious types of cases. This year’s program includes sessions for both those experienced in homicide trials as well as attorneys who have yet to tackle a homicide case. Whether you are seeking the latest information on cutting edge issues or a basic introduction to the law and elements of homicide and its defenses, you should plan to attend this symposium.

Agenda & Materials

• 9:30 am–9:40 am

  Welcome and Introduction

  John C. Verner, Esq., Suffolk District Attorney's Office, Commonwealth of Massachusetts , Boston
  Michael S. Hussey, Esq., , Worcester
  
• 9:40 am–10:40 am

  Case Law Update 2017

  A review of the most significant appellate homicide cases of the past year and other decisions with relevance to commonly encountered issues in murder cases.

  Hon. Marguerite T. Grant, Appeals Court, Commonwealth of Massachusetts , Boston
  Bruce E. Ferg, Esq., , Quincy
  
• 10:40 am–10:55 am

  Networking and Refreshment Break
• 10:55 am–12:30 pm

  From NAS to PCAST and Beyond

  For all the advances science has given us, we continue to refine our understanding of what is and isn’t reliable. As the NAS report did, the PCAST report has significant implications on the science that can, should, and will come into your case. Hear the experts break it down.

  ,
  Lisa M. Kavanaugh, Esq., Committee for Public Counsel Services , Somerville
  Ira L. Gant, Esq., Committee for Public Counsel Services , Brockton
  
• 12:30 pm–1:30 pm

  Lunch (on your own)
• 1:30 pm–3:00 pm

  Breakout Session (choose one)
• Defense Breakout Session: Trial Preparation and Case Management for the Sophisticated Murder Case

  Lisa J. Steele, Esq., Steele & Associates , Shrewsbury
  Larry R. Tipton, Esq., Tipton Law , Norwood
  
• Prosecution Breakout Session: How to Attack an Expert Witness

  Kenneth N. Yeager, Esq., U.S. Attorney's Office , Boston
  David Jon Fredette, Esq., Boston, City of/Law Department , Boston
  Joseph T. Gentile, Esq., Middlesex Superior Court, Commonwealth of Massachusetts , Woburn
  
• 3:00 pm–3:15 pm

  Networking and Refreshment Break
• 3:15 pm–4:30 pm

  Veteran Attorney Roundtable

  This session features a panel of seasoned veterans with decades of experience handling murder cases discussing practical strategies and approaches to trying homicide cases. Let their lessons be yours.

  Bruce E. Ferg, Esq., , Quincy
  Janice Bassil, Esq., Law Offices of Janice Bassil , Boston
  

Please Note

MCLE webcasts are delivered completely online, underscoring their convenience and appeal. There are no published print materials. All written materials are available electronically only. They are posted 24 hours prior to the program and can be accessed, downloaded, or printed from your computer.

Cochairs

Faculty