Capital Case Resources

Resource Menu

We thank our partners at the Atlantic Center for Capital Representation (ACCR) for providing many of these resources. ACCR is Pennsylvania’s resource for capital defense. They provide direct representation, impact litigation, training, and assistance for legal teams on capital cases in Pennsylvania. Please visit their website here for more information.

ABA Guidelines for the Appointment and Performance of Defense Counsel in Death Penalty Cases (2003-02)

Getting Started on Capital Cases Presentation

Mitigation and Storytelling

ABA Supplemental Guidelines for Mitigation in Death Penalty Cases Compassionate Capital Mitigation Journal Article (2008-06-15)

Compassionate Capital Mitigation Journal Article

Evolving Standards of Decency Advancing the Nature and Logic of Capital Mitigation (2008-06-15)

Pleading Your Case Memo by Scharlette Holdman (2001-03)

Recognizing Trauma in Capital Mitigation Journal Article (2008-06-15)

Using the Supplementary Guidelines for Mitigation in Capital Post Conviction Journal Article (2008)

Pleading Capital Cases Article (1999)

Russ Stetler Mitigation Funding Declaration

Mental Health

Russell Stetler Mental Health Evidence and the Capital Defense Function Prevailing Norms Journal Article (2014)

A Practitioner’s Guide to Defending Capital Clients Who Have Mental Disorders and Impairments

An overview of mental health issues in capital cases, pres by Russ Stetler (2021-10-27)

Prevailing Norms of Mental Health Evidence & Capital Defense Journal Article by Russ Stetler

Sample Motions

Notice of Expert Evidence Pursuant to Rule 568

Ex parte order for Funds for MH Expert

Ex Parte Request for Additional Funds for Mitigation Specialist

Ex Parte Request for Appointment of Second Attorney

Ex Parte Request for Funds to Appoint Mitigation Specialist

Stipulated Order for Extension

Trainings & Resources

Our mission is to provide tools, strategies, mutual support, training and information to Public Defender Offices in Pennsylvania; to be the voice of public defense in Pennsylvania; and to promote best practices in the leadership, management, and administration of justice in Pennsylvania.