Picking a Life-or-Death Jury: Capital Voir-Dire
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Plano, Texas, USA
Grant Staff: +1.972.244.3415
Registrar: +1.972.244.3404
E-Mail: mhooper@cailaw.org
Program Overview
Space for this course is limited! Registration Opens October 1, 2025.
When it comes to capital defense, jury selection is everything. CAIL’s nationally recognized Capital Voir Dire program equips attorneys with the tools to navigate life-and-death cases.
Join us from March 4-6, 2026, for a specialized course designed for defense attorneys handling death penalty cases, focused on mastering effective jury selection strategies. Participants will learn specific Voir Dire techniques and their application in capital cases, guided by experienced practitioners.
The program combines expert instruction with small-group practice, offering hands-on opportunities to refine questioning techniques, identify juror bias, and apply life-qualification methods.
Scholarships are available, as well as funding for Public Defenders traveling outside the DFW area.
This course is funded by a grant from the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals.
Speaker and Topics
The faculty list and agenda will be posted as they become available.
Topics will include:
- Advanced Voir Dire Strategies – Apply a specialized framework tailored for death penalty cases to sharpen your approach to identifying bias and selecting the right jury.
- Identifying Bias and Life-Qualification – Gain practical techniques to uncover juror attitudes and ensure qualified panels.
- Hands-On Small Group Practice – Apply lessons learned through guided exercises and receive feedback from expert practitioners.
Who Should Attend?
Attendance is exclusive to Texas criminal defense attorneys, Texas public and private defenders, and their staff, unless invited as faculty. Other registrations will not be accepted.
MCLE Credit
This course will be submitted to the Texas State Bar for 15 hours of MCLE credit, including 3 hours of ethics.
After the course, CAIL will apply for credit in California and New Mexico if requested. Attorneys in other states may seek credit through self-submission, provided that course materials and evaluations are not required.
Hotel Accommodations
For participants traveling from outside the Dallas–Fort Worth area, we're delighted to partner with The Cambria Hotel Plano Frisco. We've secured a special discounted rate just for CAIL program attendees! Situated close to our facility, Cambria offers comfortable modern rooms, on-site dining, and easy access to local attractions. To enjoy this exclusive rate, book through the reservation link below — the discount is already applied. Hurry, space is limited, and this offer is reserved for our event attendees!
Cambria Hotel Plano Frisco
Address: 7500 Parkwood Blvd, Plano, TX 75024
Phone: (972) 473-9010
Scholarship Policy
- First three years of practice in the field
- Submission of a qualifying statement (150 words or less) or a reference letter, at least four weeks before the event
Priority may be given to those with a recommendation letter. Scholarships are awarded three weeks before the course and must be accepted within 24 hours. If declined, the opportunity passes to the next qualifying candidate.
Scholarship decisions are based on need and merit and are subject to approval by CAIL staff. Successful applicants will be reimbursed for eligible travel expenses after attending, in accordance with grant guidelines and restrictions. Covered expenses may include:
- Transportation (airfare, bus, mileage)
- Lodging
- Meals during travel (lunches provided at the event)
- Full tuition waiver
Tuition Waiver Policy
To request an application for a scholarship or tuition waiver, contact Melissa Hooper at mhooper@cailaw.org.
Other Information
We will be using a third party platform to host this webinar/event. By registering for this event, your email address and registration information will be used by our webinar host to communicate with you about this event and other services.
Cancellation Policy
Written cancellation must be received 5 business days prior to a program to receive a refund (Email: lgaspar@cailaw.org). After this date, no refunds, but substitution of attendees for this program will be permitted with prior approval. Registrants not entitled to a refund will receive the course materials. Note: Free registrants must attend the program to receive materials at no cost.
Nondiscriminatory Policy
The Center for American and International Law does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, sex, religion, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other protected status in educational activities, scholarship programs or admissions.
Privacy Policy
We do not sell or rent information to any outside parties. By providing your information, you will receive postal and electronic communications from The Center for American and International Law (CAIL) in accordance with CAIL's Privacy Policy. If we co-sponsor a program with another organization, information may be shared between the parties. All such co-sponsors will be identified on the event details and registration page. At any point, you can opt-out or unsubscribe by selecting either link at the bottom of each email or call us at 972.244.3400.