Home - Capital Case Defense Seminar 2025

Join us for CCDS 2025

The Capital Case Defense Seminar, scheduled for February 14-17, is co-hosted by California Attorneys for Criminal Justice (CACJ) and the California Public Defenders Association (CPDA). As the largest conference of its kind in the United States, CCDS is renowned for its comprehensive programming designed to support those involved in the challenging and critical work of defending capital cases. This year’s seminar will feature a diverse array of workshops and lectures, including sessions on forensics, resentencing, non-capital homicide, the Colorado Method of jury selection, self-care workshops for defenders, and the always impactful “Sunday Morning Reflections.”

CCDS is more than a conference; it is a community. Each year, it brings together some of the most experienced practitioners and emerging voices in capital defense, to speak to defenders, mitigation specialists, investigators, and other professionals dedicated to defending those accused of committing the most serious crimes.

Through its combination of lectures and specialized workshops, participants gain not only knowledge but also the chance to brainstorm, exchange ideas, and foster connections with others who share their commitment to providing zealous representation of individuals accused of committing crimes.

Don’t miss this unparalleled educational and professional opportunity. Whether you are an experienced attorney or considering taking on your first capital case, CCDS offers something for everyone. Register now to secure your place at the 2025 Capital Case Defense Seminar at www.ccdsseminar.com

After Resentencing: Win or Lose, What Comes Next for Federal Habeas Practitioners?
Age Matters: Legal Updates
Beyond the Label: Understanding Youth and Gang Involvement
Capital Resentencing Including AB 600 Judge Initiated Resentencing
Chemistry, Toxicology & Pathology in Death Resulting Cases
Confronting and Addressing Racial Bias in Jury Selection
Decision-Making from the Inside Out: Insights from the Capital Jury Project
Developing client relationships with a culturally mindful approach
Discretionary Parole & Clemency For People Formerly On Death Row
DNA Transfer
DNA: Introduction to Complex Mixtures and Prob Gen
DNA: Litigating Admissibility of STRmix and Issue Spotting
Electronic Surveillance and AI in Our Cases
Excluding Shotspotter And Other Techs Used In Investigation
How Trauma Affects Us: Mitigating the Risk of Secondary and Vicarious Trauma
Implicit Bias Affects Everyone
International Investigation
Investigating Social Media: Online Searches Beyond the Basics
Let's Give them Something to Talk About: Litigating Confession cases
Litigating Access to Social Media Material - A Defense Attorney's Journey

Litigating Recent Changes to Penal Code Section 1473 and Post-Conviction Brady Obligations
Litigating the Admissibility of Firearms and Toolmark Identification Evidence
Litigating the Admissibility of Latent Fingerprint Evidence
Keynote Speaker: California Supreme Court Justice Goodwin Liu
Measure Twice, Object Once: Challenging Enhanced Call Detail Records
Overcoming Implicit Bias In Our Interviews And Investigation
Representing Foreign Nationals
RJA: Reports from the Counties and Practice Tips
Sanchez & Crawford: Updates and Tips
SB 1437: Still Alive and Kicking -- Leveraging SB 1437 for Meaningful Relief
So You're Saying There's a Chance????? (PC 1172.1 Discretionary Resentencing Opportunities Since AB 600)
Spotting Unremedied Instructional Errors (Such as Chiu and Canizales), and How to Argue Prejudice
Three Years of AB 3070: Progress and Challenges in the Peremptory Challenge Landscape
What to Expect in Prison Programming
With All Due Respect
Working on Diverse Teams – Race Dynamics on Teams
Working with and Cross Examining Forensic Pathologists
Working with Transgender Clients

California Supreme Court Justice Goodwin Liu will take center stage at the 2025 Capital Case Defense Seminar (CCDS), delivering the keynote address during a "Fireside Chat" in Monterey with an attorney moderator. Justice Liu, appointed to the court in 2011 by Governor Jerry Brown, brings a wealth of experience as a legal scholar, educator, and jurist, making his appearance one of the most anticipated moments of this four-day event.

The "Fireside Chat" will provide a valuable opportunity for attendees to hear Justice Liu's reflections on his path to the bench, the state of the judiciary, and lessons learned from his service on the court. His vast experience and thoughtful perspective promise to be informative and inspiring.

The CCDS is an intensive educational opportunity for anyone involved in, or considering taking on, the defense of a capital case. It is designed not only for lawyers, but also for mitigation specialists, paralegals, investigators, and experts working in capital defense. The CCDS will also include non-capital sessions relevant to all criminal defense practitioners.

CCDS is unique in that it offers lectures as well as specialized workshops that give participants the chance to brainstorm and exchange information with other participants. Experienced practitioners in any jurisdiction and those just entering the field can benefit from the lectures and workshops featuring experienced lawyers from both California and across the nation.

Our 2025 Speakers

Capital Case Defense Seminar 2025

Join us for CCDS 2025

Monterey Conference Center