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The Importance of Standards-Based Work
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Category
Panel Discussion
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About this event
The work of mitigation in criminal defense is fraught with challenges. From quick deadlines, to large caseloads, to restrictions in funding, it can be difficult for defense teams to remain vigilant in the work they do for clients. However, being committed to the American Bar Association Guidelines, the Campaign for the Fair Sentencing of Youth Guidelines, and the caselaw that guides capital and non-capital mitigation is essential in creating a more humane and just world. While it can at times be difficult, this webinar will discuss how standards-based work is more important than ever and why teams need to advocate for the time and resources needed.
Speaker Bio:
Elizabeth Vartkessian, Ph.D
Executive Director, Advancing Real Change, Inc.
Dr. Vartkessian has been investigating the life histories of those facing the most severe penalties possible in the United States since 2004. She started working as a mitigation specialist in Houston, Texas at a time when it was the epicenter of capital punishment. There she learned and developed skills aimed at helping decision-makers have a full picture of her clients.
After starting a successful private practice and obtaining her Ph.D. in Law from the University of Oxford, Dr. Vartkessian and several colleagues created Advancing Real Change, Inc. (ARC) a national non-profit located in Baltimore, MD dedicated to conducting high-quality life history investigations in criminal cases. Dr. Vartkessian is committed to having the history of an accused at the forefront of their criminal cases. She has worked as a mitigation specialist with defense teams in trial and post-conviction cases in state and federal jurisdictions and is an international expert on the collection and effective presentation of mitigating evidence, as well as the standard of care required by the defense in death penalty and juvenile cases.
Please direct all questions concerning this webinar to Allison Bishop at alb@advancechange.org.