GUIDELINE 10.4 – THE DEFENSE TEAM: THE ROLE OF COUNSEL WITH RESPECT TO MITIGATION SPECIALISTS
A. Counsel bears ultimate responsibility for the performance of the defense team and for decisions affecting the client and the case. It is the duty of counsel to lead the team in conducting an exhaustive investigation into the life history of the client. It is therefore incumbent upon the defense to interview all relevant persons and obtain all relevant records and documents that enable the defense to develop and implement an effective defense strategy.
B. Counsel guides the defense team and, based on consultation with team members and experts, conducts ongoing reviews of the evidence, assessments of potential witnesses, and analyses of the most effective manner in which to convey the mitigating information. Counsel decides how mitigation evidence will be presented.
Cross- References:
ABA Guidelines for the Appointment and Performance of Defense Counsel in Death Penalty Cases 10.4—The Defense Team. ABA Model Rules of Professional Conduct 5.3—Responsibilities Regarding Nonlawyer Assistant.