July 30-
August 2, 2008
Oklahoma City

33rd Annual Convention & Exhibition
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 Institute
Criminal Law
The Institutes

The distinctive attribute of the institute format is the progressive building upon material presented daily, culminating in a total appreciation of the material on the final day.

Criminal Law Institute
Commonwealth v. Adib Makdessi: A Criminal Case Study
10:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Wednesday
9:00 a.m. – Noon Thursday & Friday

S. Catherine Dodson, Esq.
City of Virginia Beach
Virginia Beach, VA
These sessions will analyze the prosecution of a complex double-murder case, focusing on how paralegals can assist in preparation and presentation of such a case. Commonwealth v. Makdessi was tried 10 years after the crimes occurred, and after the defendant moved to Russia. The defendant concocted an elaborate defense of rape and self-defense before he killed his wife and her co-worker.

Throughout this case were issues involving domestic violence and intimidation, aberrant sexual behavior, rape, self-defense, and grandiose conspiracy theories. Prosecution challenges to be discussed include: complex bloodspatter and DNA expert testimony, a videotape of statements made by the victim prior to her death, and the age of the case. Problems with witness availability and cooperation, and organization of a voluminous case file will also be covered.
 

S. Catherine Dodson is Deputy Commonwealth’s Attorney for the City of Virginia Beach and has been practicing law for 25 years. She spent four years in the private practice of criminal and family law, and has been a prosecutor for the past 21 years in Norfolk and Virginia Beach. She has been a supervisor for a total of 11 years, and has

prosecuted thousands of felony cases. She has handled numerous jury trials, with a heavy emphasis on violent crime. She has conducted training for the Norfolk Police Department, Norfolk Division of Social Services, Norfolk Juvenile Court Services, the Virginia Public Defenders Association, and other organizations.

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