Ethical Issues in Criminal Defense of Clients with Mental Illness

You are invited to join us on Friday, February 3 at 1:30 p.m. in room 25 at the University of Minnesota Law School for our next event in the Robina In Conversation Series on "Ethical Issues in Criminal Defense of Clients with Mental Illness."

We know that at least one-third of defendants who are in jail and are waiting for trial are experiencing some form of mental illness. This In Conversation will address some of the ethical concerns that defense attorneys face when representing clients with metal illness. In many cases, these ethical issues extend beyond what is thought of as typical. When an individual with mental illness has a case in court, defense attorneys may need to answer questions regarding the following:

• How should a lawyer establish a “reasonable” communication?
• Should a lawyer withhold information? If yes, when, and why? 
• How can an lawyer most effectively render candid advice?
• What is the most effective way to present options to the client so the client can make a rational decision--if there is a plea bargain, for instance?
• How can an attorney best create a "reasonably...typical" client-lawyer relationship? 
• How or when should an attorney decide to request a competency evaluation if the client is opposed to it? 
• When should an attorney decide to withdraw? How and when should a lawyer decide if the client has made the representation “unreasonably difficult?" 

This In Conversation will be moderated by Robina Institute Practitioner-in-Residence John Stuart. Panelists include former Chief Public Defender for the 6th Judicial District, Fred Friedman, and Criminal Defense Attorney Brock Hunter. 

Registration

In-Person Registration Fee: $10. Register here to attend the event in person.

Event check-in will begin at 1:00 p.m. on February 3, 2017 outside of Room 25.

Livestreaming Registration Fee: $15. Register here to view the event via livestream.

Please note: Registration will close on Wednesday, February 1 at 4:30 p.m. We encourage you to register early.

Students

Student registration is free. Students may register to attend the event or view the livestream for free by sending an email to robina@umn.edu before February 1, 2017. Students should be prepared to show their student ID.

Cancellations

Cancellations and refunds will be accepted until Feb. 1 at 4:30. Cancellations received after February 1, 2017 at 4:30 PM may not be guaranteed a refund.