Articles in this Issue

1. Affiliate News

   What events are NACDL affiliates hosting this month? Find out here.

   Jessica Stepan

2. Book Review: Alive. Again. by Andreea Parc

   This month Susan Elizabeth Reese reviews Alive. Again.: My Journey from Attorney to Redemption … in Prison by Andreea Parc.

   Susan Elizabeth Reese

3. Book Review: Truth & Persuasion in the Digital Revolution by Ronald W. Chapman II

   This month Laith Quasem reviews Truth & Persuasion in the Digital Revolution by Ronald W. Chapman II.

   Laith Quasem

4. Book Review: You Might Go to Prison, Even Though You’re Innocent by Justin Brooks

   This month Jeff Gamso reviews You Might Go to Prison, Even Though You’re Innocent by Justin Brooks.

   Jeff Gamso

5. From the President: Weaponizing Justice

   The Role of the Criminal Defense Lawyer in an Era of Rapid Change

   Artificial intelligence (AI) is reshaping the legal landscape at breakneck speed. Defense lawyers must embrace AI technology to enhance their advocacy, streamline their practices, and level the playing field.

   Andrew S. Birrell

6. Memory & Perception: The Complexities of Video-Recorded Evidence in the Legal System

   People believe video evidence shows a complete, objective account of what occurred. But does it?

   Kathy Pezdek and Daniel Reisberg

7. NACDL News: Oklahoma City Attorney Charles ‘Tim’ Laughlin Receives Champion of Public Defense Award

   NACDL News for August 2025

   Jessie Diamond and Jonathan Hutson

8. New Lawyer Primer: 10 Tips on Using Authenticity to Craft Effective Opening Statements

   While young lawyers spend considerable time learning the essentials of a strong opening statement, the importance of delivering it authentically often goes overlooked. How can lawyers infuse their values, spirit, and personality into opening statements?

   Juanita Kimble

9. Perspective: Mind the Bias: Defense Counsel’s Approach to Just Outcomes

   Defense lawyers should learn more about cognitive biases and implement debiasing techniques to achieve justice.

   Dr. Gleb Tsipursky

10. Pozner on Cross: Lessons Learned: Bad Advice Edition

    Larry Pozner discusses some of the bad advice criminal defense lawyers have been given over the years.

    Larry Pozner

11. The FSA: Its Implementation, What’s Wrong, and How to Fix It

    The First Step Act was designed to incentivize prisoners to participate in recidivism-reducing programs and activities so that when released, they would return to their communities in a better position and would not reoffend and return to prison. So, where is the FSA going wrong?

    Susan M. Giddings and Bruce W. Cameron

12. Three Keys to Creating Winning Arguments: Pathos, Logos, and Ethos

    How do attorneys communicate and persuade others to think and act in the courtroom? Steven Epstein discusses pathos, logos, and ethos, and he explains how defense lawyers can employ these concepts to advocate more persuasively.

    Steven Epstein

13. Time Management Solutions for Criminal Defense Lawyers

    Jay Ruane explores numerous time management techniques tailored for the unique demands faced by criminal defense lawyers. He summarizes different styles that one can adopt and use to become more efficient and effective.

    Jay Ruane