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This Wednesday, NACDL begins a discussion series on their recently published Report on Risk Assessment Tools in the Criminal Legal System with two webinars, sponsored by MyCase. The NACDL Task Force on Risk Assessment Tools commissioned Dr. Melissa Hamilton to produce this comprehensive analysis of how risk assessment tools are developed and applied. The report is a significant contribution to the body of scholarship and resources concerning risk assessment tools. It is an in-depth and accessible resource for practitioners, policymakers, and advocates. It is designed to provide the information and guidance necessary to properly assess various risk assessment tools.

Part 1 - Overview of the NACDL Report on Risk Assessment Tools with Dr. Melissa Hamilton

This webinar will introduce the report commissioned by the NACDL titled “Risk Assessment Tools in the Criminal Legal System – Theory and Practice” and provide an overview of the issues presented when your clients are scored on standardized risk prediction instruments. Topics include a brief description on how tools are developed, what they are predicting, the potential for racial and gender biases, and types of legal challenges to consider.

(30 minute break)

Part 2 - A Lawyer's Overview of Risk Assessment Practices with John Philipsborn

Risk assessments of many kinds have emerged in activities from policing to post conviction release evaluations. While some of the more recent concerns have centered around the many issues arising out of algorithm-powered actuarial risk assessments, there are many more types of such assessments that the defense bar should be familiar with. John Philipsborn, who has been a criminal defense lawyer for more than 40 years, and is a frequent contributor to the NACDL Champion will discuss an overview of risk assessment.