Published October 25, 2022
MONROE, LA – The University of Louisiana Monroe held the first Criminal Defense Project Training
session on September 30, 2022. This all-day training session was for any public defender
in Louisiana, as well as social workers, investigators, and any interested students.
The training session was led by ULM Adjunct Professor Bob Noel, who taught “The Fundamentals
of Direct and Cross-Examination.” More than 50 attendees from across the state attended
the session in the ULM Mock Trial Courtroom.
The first training session included a lecture on direct and cross-examination which
was followed by interactive coaching of the two skills. Public Defenders were given
a court case to review which they used to direct and cross-exam a witness. Bob Noel
and the audience provided constructive criticism for the public defenders while also
applauding their strengths.
Attendees expressed excitement and gratefulness to be part of this initial training
session. “I’m glad to be part of this kickoff education training for lawyers especially
public defenders across the state of Louisiana,” stated Mary Harried, 1st Judicial District Deputy Public Defender (Shreveport.)
“It was great participating in this first training for new and experienced attorneys
put on by the University of Louisiana Monroe. It is an interactive training that is
much needed in the profession. And the fact that it is being put on by a university
means that it can only get better and grow while being long-lasting,” detailed Michael
A. Mitchell, Louisiana Public Defenders Board.
Peggy Sullivan, 4th Judicial District Public Defender (Monroe), commented, “This opportunity to interact
with and learn from other public defenders is invaluable.”
Such interaction not only included lawyers and investigators, but ULM students and
faculty were also able to gain experience. Almost a dozen majors were represented
at the training. Members of the ULM Mock Trial Team played roles for the training
sessions.
Coming in from Metairie, Paul Fleming, Jr., 24th Judicial District Public Defender, affirmed, “This is an exciting opportunity to
be involved with creating this program with the University of Louisiana Monroe to
help train a new generation of public defenders.”
The importance of the training sessions means that Louisiana will put public dollars
behind affording all of its citizens equal access to a fair process where money alone
will not determine guilt or innocence.
“Public defenders are called upon to be the voice of the voiceless and defenseless.
The ULM Training Academy with Bob Noel at the helm is providing the fundamentals and
foundations for invaluable public service,” concluded John Ellis, Chief 5th Judicial District (Rayville.)
The training was also attended by Northeast Louisiana legislators. According to State
Senator Stewart Cathey, “Northeast Louisiana is pleased to be the hub for the Criminal
Defense Project and with having it led by the University of Louisiana Monroe. We believe
in reaffirming the constitutional right to trial and through this project, we are
ensuring that public defenders can provide the best representation possible.”
State Representative Michael Echols added, “This is an exciting time for the State
of Louisiana, especially here in the Northeast. This program is a fundamental step
in creating a more skilled, trained pool of public defenders who will have the ability
to represent their clients.”
Additional training sessions will be held throughout courtrooms in Baton Rouge, Covington,
Lafayette, Lake Charles, Metairie, Natchitoches, and Shreveport. These sessions are
in fulfillment of a new law that requires all public training to be coordinated and
administered by ULM. Governor John Bel Edwards signed into law Senate Bill 206, which
was sponsored by State Senator Katrina Jackson.
Some of the session topics will include rules of evidence, forensic investigations,
and office management for public defenders. Faculty from the School of Social and
Behavioral Sciences and Humanities provide technical and content expertise. Sessions
are being filmed to make available for those that cannot attend the sessions in person.
Additionally, Zoom trainings across many other topics have been scheduled.
