Overview   

Criminal defence in today's world has evolved into a dynamic and demanding field, presenting attorneys with unprecedented challenges and opportunities.  

In this webinar, we will navigate through the contemporary legal landscape, offering a comprehensive understanding of the strategies and tactics necessary to excel in the courtroom. Whether you're grappling with the intricacies of digital evidence, exploring innovative defence techniques, or seeking to enhance your advocacy skills, this webinar is your gateway to mastering the art of criminal defence now and into the future.  

Join Adv. Dwight Snyman on 10 November from 1:00 pm to 2:00 pm as he takes you through the art and science of criminal defence trial practice, offering practical guidance, real-world case studies, and expert insights to enhance your legal expertise.  

Learning objectives 

Attending this webinar will equip you with the following skills: 

• Understanding of the unique aspects and procedures involved in criminal trials, including the importance of evidence presentation, legal strategies, and courtroom etiquette specific to these systems.  

• Possess a grasp of the significance of meticulous pre-trial preparation, from building a defence team to conducting client interviews, collecting evidence, and conducting tailored legal research.  

• Know how to develop a well-thought-out defence strategy, including crafting a case theory, establishing alibis and defences, and addressing case weaknesses effectively. 

• Possess practical insights into effective trial techniques in courtroom communication, the use of technology, and the art of presenting evidence persuasively in front of a judge.  

• Gain a heightened awareness of the ethical challenges unique to criminal defence, and how to maintain confidentiality, adhere to ethical boundaries, and conduct oneself with professionalism and integrity.  

Content 

The webinar will cover the following topics:  

• Understanding Criminal Defence. 

  • Defining Criminal Defence. 

  • Role of a Criminal Defence Attorney. 

  • Key Legal Concepts in Criminal Law. 

  • Ethical Considerations in Criminal Defence. 

• Pre-Trial Preparation 

  • Building the Defence Team. 

  • Client Interview and Assessment. 

  • Evidence Collection and Preservation. 

  • Legal Research and Case Analysis.  

• Crafting a Defence Strategy. 

  • Developing a Case Theory. 

  • Establishing Alibis and Defences. 

  • Preparing for Different Types of Trials. 

  • Identifying and Handling Weaknesses in the Case. 

• Trial Techniques 

  • Opening Statements: Setting the Stage. 

  • Direct and Cross-Examination of Witnesses. 

  • Expert Witnesses and Their Role. 

  • Presenting Evidence Effectively. 

  • Handling Objections and Evidentiary Issues. 

• Courtroom Presentation 

  • Effective Communication in the Courtroom. 

  • Using Technology in the Courtroom. 

  • Building Credibility with the Judge. 

  • Maintaining Professionalism and Poise. 

• Ethics and Professional Responsibility. 

  • Ethical Challenges in Criminal Defence. 

  • Confidentiality and Attorney-Client Privilege. 

  • Balancing Zealous Advocacy and Ethical Boundaries. 

About the presenter 

Adv. Dwight Snyman 

Adv. Dwight Snyman is an admitted member of the Johannesburg Society of Advocates and is accredited by the Legal Practitioners Council as an Advocate of the High Court of South Africa. Adv. Snyman completed articles of clerkship, and attorney’s competency exams under the auspices of the Wits Law Clinic. He completed his Advocacy pupillage under the tutelage of the esteemed Adv. Louis Du Bruyn. 

Adv. Snyman has had opportunity and success in litigation, in the High and Magistrates’ Courts of the republic, the CCMA, Disciplinary Hearings and assorted other venues and forums, and has become possessed of practical litigation experience beyond what would normally be expected from a practitioner of his age and seniority. He is the holder of a degree in Politics, Philosophy and Economics (PPE) from the University of Cape Town, and postgraduate Bachelor of Laws (LLB) from the University of the Witwatersrand, for which he was accorded the honour of being on the Dean’s list for his academic performance. 

Who should attend? 

The following persons will benefit from attending this webinar: 

• Practising attorneys. 

• Candidate attorneys. 

• Law students. 

• Pupil advocates.  

• Paralegals. 

• Junior legal practitioners. 

Price              

• Free 

For those of you who are unable to attend the live webinar, the recording will be made available to you shortly after the event. 

Steps to register for the event:  

If you already have a profile, login and register for the webinar. 

If you don’t have a profile, create a free profile then login and register for the webinar. 

Click here  to create a free profile (There is no charge to create a profile and gain access to our free Monthly Practice Management Series). 

Click here  to find out about the Technical Resource Centre & CPD Subscription options. 

Additional material 

By attending this webinar you will be provided with: 

• A summarised slide presentation. 

• Reference documents and/ or course material where available. 

• You can ask questions during the webinar and you will also have access to the presenter after the webinar.