The cutting-edge conference delved into the dynamic intersection of law, technology, and forensics and explored the latest advancements in forensics and information technology, analyzing with practitioners and the private sector how breakthroughs in DNA analysis, fingerprint identification, artificial intelligence and digital forensics are reshaping investigative methodologies. Participants also explored the ethical and legal considerations of emerging technologies and their impact on legal and business practice, especially Artificial Intelligence (AI) and advances in genealogy.
National White Collar Crime Institute
The 39th National White Collar Crime Institute convened on March 6-8, 2024, in San Francisco, California. Since its establishment in 1987, the Institute has been attended by leading federal and state judges and prosecutors, law enforcement officials, defense attorneys, corporate in-house counsel, and members of the academic community. The faculty regularly includes some of the top members of the white-collar bar in the United States and abroad.
This year’s keynote speakers included US Attorney General Merrick Garland in a “Fireside Chat” and US Deputy Attorney General Lisa Monaco giving the annual E. Lawrence Barcella Memorial Address. In addition, the Attorney General of Switzerland Stefan Blättler and the director of France’s national financial prosecution office, the Parquet National Financier, Jean-François Bohnert were featured.
Recent ABA Resolutions on Criminal Justice
The CJS-sponsored resolution on prosecutorial discretion was passed at the 2024 ABA Midyear Meeting in Louisville, Kentucky. Resolution 501 urges governments to affirm the essential role of prosecutorial discretion and to protect prosecutors for removal for partisan reasons.
Other co-sponsored resolutions that passed are Resolution 506 (timely reporting of all deaths and independent investigation into the cause of any death that occurs in a correctional institution or in the custody of law enforcement) and Resolution 602 (principles for juries and jury trials).
New Task Forces
- Prosecutorial Independence Taskforce: The goal of this task force is to preserve and strengthen prosecutorial independence and enhance the American public’s understanding of the prosecutor’s critical role in maintaining the integrity of the criminal justice system. Co-Chairs are John Choi, County Attorney, Ramsey County Attorney’s Office; Ellen S. Podgor, Professor of Law, Stetson University College of Law; and Ellen Yaroshefsky, Professor of Law, Maurice A Deane School of Law, Hofstra University.
- Task Force on Public Defense Independence: The objective of this task force is to protect and strengthen independence and enhance the public’s understanding of the critical role public defense independence plays in ensuring a fair and just criminal legal system. It is a project of the American Bar Association Criminal Justice Section (CJS) and Standing Committee on Legal Aid and Indigent Defense (SCLAID), in partnership with the National Association for Public Defense. Co-Chairs are Keisha Hudson, Chief Defender, Defender Association of Philadelphia, and Malia Brink, Senior Policy Attorney, Deason Criminal Justice Center, SMU Dedman School of Law.
Upcoming Events
- September 4-7 Southeastern Regional White Collar Crime Institute Braselton, GA
- October 8-10 Financial Crimes Enforcement Conference Arlington, VA
- October 14-15 London White Collar Crime InstituteLondon, UK
- November 14-15 17th Annual CJS Fall Institute Washington, DC
- January 30-February 3, 2025 ABA Midyear MeetingPhoenix, AZ
- March 4-7, 2025 National Institute on White Collar CrimeMiami, FL
