Atlanta Bar ' s Online CLE Library
A Review of " Tiger King Trial ," Found on the Atlanta Bar ' s Online CLE Library .
JENA G . EMORY Copeland Stair Kingma & Lovell jmory @ cskl . law
If you are like me , you devoted hours of your life to watching Netflix ’ s “ Tiger King ” last summer . I do not regret it , and I loved every minute . I consider it time well spent . As an attorney who does not practice criminal law , I found myself wondering whether Joseph Maldonado-Passage ( a / k / a “ Joe Exotic ”) was really guilty , what his trial was like , and what really happened . Fortunately , the Atlanta Bar ’ s online CLE library has a three hour CLE on the trial of Joseph Maldonado-Passage , entitled “ Tiger King Trial ,” which answered all of my questions .
Philip Bogdanoff , a former assistant prosecutor in Ohio for 27 years , was the speaker for this CLE that originally aired on October 26 , 2020 . The CLE is organized in two parts : ( 1 ) the investigation of Joseph Maldonado-Passage and pretrial maneuvers to keep evidence out of the trial , and ( 2 ) the trial and conviction of Joe Maldonado- Passage .
Investigation and Pretrial Because of his experience , Bogdanoff was not only able to explain the investigation and pretrial motions in this case , he was also able to provide insight into how this investigation was unusual . For example , the investigation of Joe Maldonado-Passage included an informant who was taping conversations with Joe Exotic . Apparently , this evidence is unusual in murder for hire cases . For fans of the documentary , these facts only increase the mystery that surrounds Joe Exotic and keeps the audience members interested in the CLE .
Bogdanoff next walked through the pretrial motions filed , including motions in limine . The discussion of the motion to exclude evidence of Carole Baskin ’ s husband ’ s death provided the perfect opportunity to replay “ Here Kitty Kitty .” If I have to be refreshed on Rules 402 , 608 , and 609 , I would prefer to be rewarded with one of Joe Exotic ’ s most memorable music videos . Bogdanoff also explained the motion to sever the charges against Joe Exotic and the other pretrial motions filed .
Trial and Conviction In the second half of the CLE , Bogdanoff discussed the trial . While outlining the events at trial , including summarized testimony from all of the witnesses , Bogdanoff was able to sprinkle in practical tips . He recommended giving the jury a theme . He also provided his insights into preparing a police officer to testify based upon his experience as a prosecutor . In addition , Bogdanoff explained the plea bargains offered to Joe Exotic and whether he believed the offers should have been accepted .
Because this CLE walks through a criminal conviction from investigation to trial , every practitioner would benefit from watching it . Criminal attorneys would be able to learn the finer points of obtaining a criminal conviction , about which civil attorneys , like myself , would be clueless . Civil attorneys can learn valuable trial practice tips and writing strategies . As a civil litigator , I came away from the CLE with a better understanding of the rules of evidence and a deeper appreciation and love for the Tiger King documentary .
Atlanta Bar ' s CLE Library As you may know , the Atlanta Bar ’ s online CLE library is maintained and controlled by the Atlanta Bar ’ s CLE Board of Trustees , which is currently chaired by Brittanie Browning ( Hall Booth Smith , PC .) This board is comprised of ten Atlanta Bar members actively serving the Bar by planning and executing major CLEs , including “ But You Said You ’ re a Lawyer !?,” “ CLE by the Hour ,” “ Lincoln on Professionalism ,” and “ Pro Bono March Madness .” “ CLE by the Hour ” and “ Pro Bono March Madness ” will occur in Spring 2021 . Be on the lookout for registration information !
Part of the service of the CLE Board is the online CLE library . All Atlanta Bar members have access to on demand CLEs at discounted prices . The CLE Board works hard to find CLEs which are interesting and would appeal to the members of the Bar . The online library currently includes “ Thurgood Marshall ’ s Coming !;" “ An Analysis of Bostock v . Clayton County ;” “ Watergate ;" " Roe v . Wade ;" " Vietnam ;" and the " Month that Changed America Forever .” “ What Kanye Can Teach Us About Litigation ” is next on my list . Prepare to be entertained as well as educated from the comfort of your home while earning much needed CLE credit .
We hope you take advantage of the online CLE library and enjoy the collection that we have worked so hard to build . Visit atlantabar . org for all your online CLE library needs .
26 December / January 2021