Lawline.com

In order to successfully defend a client with mental illness in Texas, criminal defense practitioners must have a thorough understanding of the insanity plea and the strict state standards that govern this affirmative defense.  In this Texas-specific course, prominent criminal defense attorney George Parnham examines the origins of the insanity defense as well as the important steps involved in preparing to use this defense at trial. Througout the course, Mr. Parnham shares personal insights about his representation of high-profile clients suffering from mental illness such as Andrea Yates, and provides guidance on picking a sympathetic jury.  In addition, this program provides useful information with respect to the selection and preparation of experts, the importance of getting a psychiatric evaluation for the client as soon as possible, as well as common sense issues implicated in establishing a credible and sincere mental illness defense. This is an excellent course for all Texas criminal defense attorneys, as well as general practitioners seeking direction on how to represent mentally ill individuals entangled in the state criminal justice system.

Agenda:
I.    The McNaughtan Standard
II.   Preparation of the Defense
III.  Selection & Preparation of Experts
IV.  Common Sense Issues