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NAPD - Reconceptualizing preservation of the right to self-defense in jury trials


Time: December 16, 2025 - 12-1pm
Location: Webinar

The right to self-defense is one of the oldest and most universal concepts in Anglo-American criminal law and criminal procedure. Nonetheless, trial judges across the country are being absolved of erroneously denying the accused’s valid request for a substantiated self-defense jury instruction based on personal opinions, prejudices, and biases about the credibility of the accused’s case.

Anjali Pathmanathan, visiting lecturer and former public defender, studied this phenomenon and wrote a law review article, “Directing Unconstitutional Verdicts: Discussing Strategies to Combat When Judges Become Jurors on Self-Defense.”  She came to the conclusion that these trial judges are essentially directing verdicts of guilt against the accused. So, what can trial counsel do to combat this practice and stop trial judges from usurping the jury’s role in this unconstitutional manner?

This webinar will offer a reconceptualization of how trial counsel can argue and preserve their client’s right to the jury’s consideration of their self-defense claim, while, hopefully paving the pathway for more fair jury trials and, if needed, subsequent appeals.

Additional information and online registration.