The Confrontation Clause impacts how and under what circumstances the testimony of witnesses for the state is admissible in criminal cases. A series of decisions from the U.S. Supreme Court, culminating in the Court's recent case, Smith v. Arizona, provide guidance about how those witnesses, especially forensic scientists, provide testimony. This webinar will provide a basic yet thorough analysis of the Confrontation Clause and recent Supreme Court decisions, with a focus on Smith v. Arizona, and how the decision impacts the practices and procedures of those working with the criminal justice system. The multi-disciplinary panel will discuss suggested practices that comply with the requirements of the Confrontation Clause and evaluate alternative means of proving an element of an offense in the absence of forensic evidence.

Live Webinar: This webinar, “The Role of Generative Artificial Intelligence in 21st Century Prosecutions,” explores how AI, particularly generative AI, can be effectively and ethically integrated into prosecutorial work. It provides an overview of AI concepts, potential pre-trial and trial applications, legal and evidentiary considerations, risks such as AI mistakes, and relevant ethical rules, and highlights the Illinois Supreme Court’s 2024 AI policy. The session emphasizes strategies for admissibility, authentication, and responsible use, aiming to equip prosecutors with practical guidance for leveraging AI while safeguarding the integrity of their cases