VC3 Research Files

This is the Clearinghouse's library of recent research concerning important issues in Virginia capital defense.  Material stored here is generally not reflected in motions or legal memoranda elsewhere on the site, but may be of use to defense counsel either as background information, or as the basis for motions or other challenges on behalf of clients.   We encourage defense counsel to submit their own research material that may be of continuing value to the defense bar.  We also welcome new research requests.

Research Files

Bill of Particulars (2009)

Confidentiality of Medical Records in Virginia (2009)

The Dying Death Penalty: An Analysis of the Decreasing Number of Death Sentences in the United States and in Virginia (2009)

"Execution-Impact" Evidence (2009)

Figuring the Cost of Capital Punishment In Trying Economic Times (2009)

Memorandum on the Requirements for 'Willful, Deliberate, and Premeditated' Murder in VA (2010)

Privacy Safeguards for Student Records in Criminal Cases (2010)

Defense-Initiated Victim Outreach in Virginia Capital Cases (2011)

Categorical Exclusion of the Death penalty for Severely Mentally Ill Defendants (2011)

Virginia Capital Sentencing Verdict Forms: A History and Proposals for the Next Round of Challenges (2011)

Future Dangerousness And Virginia Evidence Law (2011)

Making Use of User Comments on Online News Stories to Obtain Meaningful Voir Dire Examination of Prospective Jurors (2011)