True Crime

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Crimes of the Century CLE: The Michael Peterson "Staircase" Murder Trial

Credits Available
Credit Status Total
Alaska CLE Reciprocity 2 Total
Alabama CLE Approved 2 Total
Arkansas CLE Approved 2 Total
Arizona CLE Approved 2 Total
California CLE Approved 2 Total
Colorado CLE Approved 2 Total
Connecticut CLE Approved 2 Total
Delaware CLE Approved 2 Total
Florida CLE Approved 2.5 Total
Georgia CLE Approved 2 Total
Hawaii CLE Approved 2 Total
Iowa CLE Approved 2 Total
Idaho CLE Approved 2 Total
Illinois CLE Approved 2 Total
Indiana CLE Approved 2 Total
Kansas CLE Approved 2 Total
Kentucky CLE Approved 2 Total
Louisiana CLE Approved 2 Total
Maine CLE Approved 2 Total
Minnesota CLE Approved 2 Total
Missouri CLE Approved 2.4 Total
Northern Mariana Islands CLE Approved 2 Total
Mississippi CLE Approved 2 Total
Montana CLE Pending 2 Total
North Carolina CLE Approved 2 Total
North Dakota CLE Approved 2 Total
Nebraska CLE Approved 2 Total
New Hampshire CLE Approved 2 Total
New Jersey CLE Approved 2.4 Total
New Mexico CLE Approved 2 Total
Nevada CLE Approved 2 Total
New York CLE Approved 2 Total
Ohio CLE Approved 2 Total
Oklahoma CLE Approved 2.5 Total
Oregon CLE Approved 2 Total
Pennsylvania CLE Approved 2 Total
Rhode Island CLE Approved 2 Total
South Carolina CLE Approved 2 Total
Tennessee CLE Approved 2 Total
Texas CLE Approved 2 Total
Utah CLE Approved 2 Total
Virginia CLE Approved 2 Total
Vermont CLE Approved 2 Total
Washington CLE Approved 2 Total
Wisconsin CLE Approved 2 Total
West Virginia CLE Approved 2.4 Total
Wyoming CLE Approved 2 Total
Live Online
2 hours
Joel Oster
With Joel L. Oster from Comedian of Law, LLC

Tue, Nov 17, 00:00 AM – 00:00 PM

Product ID 102824

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Course Includes
$259

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OnDemand Recording

Course Book Download

OnDemand content will be available within 7 days of event date.

Overview

Circumstantial Evidence, Expert Witnesses, and the Making of a Modern Murder Case

Few murder cases have generated as much debate—or as many questions—as the prosecution of Michael Peterson for the death of his wife, Kathleen Peterson. Made famous by the acclaimed documentary The Staircase, the case became a masterclass in the challenges of proving guilt through circumstantial evidence, the power of forensic expert testimony, and the lasting impact of evolving scientific evidence on criminal convictions.
This two-hour CLE examines the investigation, trial, appeals, and eventual resolution of one of the most closely watched homicide cases in recent history. Participants will analyze the prosecution's theory of the case, the defense's response, the role of bloodstain pattern analysis and forensic experts, evidentiary rulings, jury dynamics, and the post-conviction litigation that ultimately reshaped the case.
Designed for prosecutors, criminal defense attorneys, judges, and trial lawyers, this program explores the practical lessons modern litigators can draw from the Peterson case, including the presentation of expert testimony, challenging forensic evidence, managing extensive media attention, and navigating post-conviction claims involving newly discovered evidence and questions surrounding forensic reliability. Whether viewed as a compelling murder mystery or a landmark study in criminal trial advocacy, the Michael Peterson case offers enduring lessons for every courtroom advocate. Register today!

This program is designed in conjunction with attorney Joel Oster, Comedian of Law and True Crime Podcaster.

Abbreviated Agenda

  1. The Death of Kathleen Peterson and the Initial Investigation
  2. Building the Case: Circumstantial and Forensic Evidence
  3. Trial Strategy and Courtroom Advocacy
  4. Appeals and Post-Conviction Litigation
  5. Lessons for Today's Trial Lawyer

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Watch the recording of this event on your own schedule. We'll notify you when its ready.

Related Topics

Product ID 102824

Credit Details

Credits Available
Credit Status Total
Alaska CLE Reciprocity 2 Total
Alabama CLE Approved 2 Total
Arkansas CLE Approved 2 Total
Arizona CLE Approved 2 Total
California CLE Approved 2 Total
Colorado CLE Approved 2 Total
Connecticut CLE Approved 2 Total
Delaware CLE Approved 2 Total
Florida CLE Approved 2.5 Total
Georgia CLE Approved 2 Total
Hawaii CLE Approved 2 Total
Iowa CLE Approved 2 Total
Idaho CLE Approved 2 Total
Illinois CLE Approved 2 Total
Indiana CLE Approved 2 Total
Kansas CLE Approved 2 Total
Kentucky CLE Approved 2 Total
Louisiana CLE Approved 2 Total
Maine CLE Approved 2 Total
Minnesota CLE Approved 2 Total
Missouri CLE Approved 2.4 Total
Northern Mariana Islands CLE Approved 2 Total
Mississippi CLE Approved 2 Total
Montana CLE Pending 2 Total
North Carolina CLE Approved 2 Total
North Dakota CLE Approved 2 Total
Nebraska CLE Approved 2 Total
New Hampshire CLE Approved 2 Total
New Jersey CLE Approved 2.4 Total
New Mexico CLE Approved 2 Total
Nevada CLE Approved 2 Total
New York CLE Approved 2 Total
Ohio CLE Approved 2 Total
Oklahoma CLE Approved 2.5 Total
Oregon CLE Approved 2 Total
Pennsylvania CLE Approved 2 Total
Rhode Island CLE Approved 2 Total
South Carolina CLE Approved 2 Total
Tennessee CLE Approved 2 Total
Texas CLE Approved 2 Total
Utah CLE Approved 2 Total
Virginia CLE Approved 2 Total
Vermont CLE Approved 2 Total
Washington CLE Approved 2 Total
Wisconsin CLE Approved 2 Total
West Virginia CLE Approved 2.4 Total
Wyoming CLE Approved 2 Total
Select Jurisdiction
CLE

Agenda

All times are shown in

  1. The Death of Kathleen Peterson and the Initial Investigation

    1. Overview of the Case
    2. Crime Scene Investigation
    3. Competing Theories of Death
    4. Development of Probable Cause
    5. Charging Decisions

  2. Building the Case: Circumstantial and Forensic Evidence

    1. Bloodstain Pattern Analysis
    2. Medical Examiner Findings
    3. Digital and Documentary Evidence
    4. Prior Incidents Introduced at Trial
    5. Admissibility of Forensic Evidence
    6. Evidentiary Challenges

  3. Trial Strategy and Courtroom Advocacy

    1. Jury Selection in a Nationally Publicized Case
    2. Prosecutorial Themes and Presentation
    3. Defense Strategy and Alternative Theories
    4. Cross-Examination of Expert Witnesses
    5. Closing Arguments
    6. Jury Deliberations and Verdict

  4. Appeals and Post-Conviction Litigation

    1. Discovery of Misconduct Involving Forensic Analyst Duane Deaver
    2. Motions for Appropriate Relief
    3. New Trial Proceedings
    4. The Alford Plea and Resolution of the Case
    5. Scientific Reliability and Expert Testimony

  5. Lessons for Today's Trial Lawyer

    1. Litigating Expert-Heavy Homicide Cases
    2. Preparing and Challenging Forensic Evidence
    3. Managing Extensive Media Coverage
    4. Practical Advocacy Lessons for Prosecutors and Defense Attorneys

Who Should Attend

This true-crime legal course is designed for attorneys. Paralegals and legal staff will also benefit.

Speakers

Joel L Oster
Joel L.
Oster
Comedian of Law, LLC
Speaker bio
Joel L Oster

Joel L. Oster

Comedian of Law, LLC
Joel Oster

is a litigator, national speaker, podcaster and stand-up comic. He is in private practice specializing in constitutional law, appellate advocacy, and attorney ethics. Mr. Oster regularly litigates First Amendment issues and has been lead counsel on two cases that ended up in the U.S. Supreme Court. He has argued a case before the United States District Court for the Western District of New York and the Second Circuit and was part of a legal team that successfully defended a case in the U.S. Supreme Court. He's also prevailed as lead counsel in defending a case before the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit. Mr. Oster has spoken to thousands of attorneys across the United States and brings their combined practical perspectives to his seminars. He has presented at numerous bench and bar conferences and co-hosts the podcast DeBriefing the Law with Chris Marohn. The podcast covers current legal news and true crimes using their brand of humor. From the Supreme Court to O.J. Simpson, no legal topic is off-limits. Most importantly he is also a stand-up comic. Even though he has argued before numerous appellate courts, including Judge Calabresi of the Second Circuit, he said nothing compares to the nerves of trying to make a room full of drunk college kids laugh. He headlined the comedy tour "Presumed Funny" which featured random musings about the legal profession. Mr. Oster earned his J.D. degree from the University of Kansas School of Law. He is admitted to the bar in Kansas, Missouri, Florida and numerous federal courts.

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