Public Defender Training - The Bahamas

In January 2017, the program conducted training and mentoring for public defenders on topics such as the ABCs of Forensics, Cross Examination, Issues surrounding Social Networks, Navigating the Client Interview, Firearms and Tool Marks, Discovery and Challenges to Crime Labs, Plea Negotiations, Brainstorming the Facts, Initial Discovery Checklist, Expert Witnesses at Trial, Expert Witness Voir Dire, and DNA and Forensics. This training was the result of a program visit to the newly established Public Defender's Office during which attorneys expressed interest in receiving training on organizing cases, time management, and access to sample documents. Experts also conducted a site visit to Fox Hill Prison to observe the video conferencing system that facilitates courtroom communication between attorneys and their clients at the prison.