Date+Time:
Monday, July 13, 2026
9:30 AM–3:30 PM ET | 8:30 AM–2:30 PM CT | 7:30 AM–1:30 PM MT | 6:30 AM–12:30 PM PT
Register Now!
Monday, July 13, 2026
9:30 AM–3:30 PM ET | 8:30 AM–2:30 PM CT | 7:30 AM–1:30 PM MT | 6:30 AM–12:30 PM PT
Register Now!
Description:
On March 26, 2026, the Pennsylvania Supreme Court issued a historic decision striking down mandatory life without parole sentences for the crime of felony murder under article 1, section 13 of the state Constitution, which prohibits cruel punishments. Although the constitutional right against cruel punishments has been in the state constitution since 1790, this was the first time that the Court has given it any independent, enforceable meaning.
With more than 1,000 people currently serving mandatory life without parole sentences for felony murder in Pennsylvania, the Lee decision raises profound opportunities and challenges in ensuring that it is given the widest possible effect.
This CLE program will provide attorneys with critical information on the origins of the Lee case, its holdings and rationales, implications for client representation, retroactive relief, and mitigation strategies for sentencing proceedings and parole review.
This historic moment will provide opportunities for lawyers across the profession to become involved, including providing pro bono representation to individual clients who are eligible for new sentences and pro bono support to public interest organizations leading the work.
This program will be simulcast as a webinar.
On March 26, 2026, the Pennsylvania Supreme Court issued a historic decision striking down mandatory life without parole sentences for the crime of felony murder under article 1, section 13 of the state Constitution, which prohibits cruel punishments. Although the constitutional right against cruel punishments has been in the state constitution since 1790, this was the first time that the Court has given it any independent, enforceable meaning.
With more than 1,000 people currently serving mandatory life without parole sentences for felony murder in Pennsylvania, the Lee decision raises profound opportunities and challenges in ensuring that it is given the widest possible effect.
This CLE program will provide attorneys with critical information on the origins of the Lee case, its holdings and rationales, implications for client representation, retroactive relief, and mitigation strategies for sentencing proceedings and parole review.
This historic moment will provide opportunities for lawyers across the profession to become involved, including providing pro bono representation to individual clients who are eligible for new sentences and pro bono support to public interest organizations leading the work.
This program will be simulcast as a webinar.
Speakers:
- Cynthia R. Beyea is a Partner who will discuss the origins of the Lee case, its holdings and rationales, and implications for client representation.
- Clay Douglas is a Partner offering guidance on retroactive relief, mitigation strategies and structural considerations following the Pennsylvania Supreme Court’s decision.
- Nadeea R. Zakaria is a Partner addressing sentencing proceedings, parole review and opportunities for pro bono involvement in cases affected by the Lee ruling.
Credit:
1 credit hour in Pennsylvania. If you don't see your state listed in the registration form, contact the sponsor.
1 credit hour in Pennsylvania. If you don't see your state listed in the registration form, contact the sponsor.
By:
Dechert
Dechert
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