Capital Defence & Justice Reform

Building Capacity for Capital Defense

On 31 July 2025, JPP held its first dedicated full-day training for state-appointed capital defense lawyers at its Lahore office. The session brought together counsel from multiple districts and provinces, blending senior practitioners with newly appointed lawyers.

The training strengthened participants’ skills in defending individuals facing the death penalty, with a focus on mitigation investigation, representation of vulnerable defendants, and effective use of expert evidence. Through group work, case simulations, and practical exercises, participants learned how to:

For many lawyers this was the first time mitigation was framed as a continuous, holistic process rather than a narrow legal argument. Participants requested further training and mentorship to embed these practices into everyday defense work.

The training marked the beginning of sustained collaboration between JPP, provincial legal aid authorities, and bar councils to strengthen the quality of capital defense in Pakistan.

By investing in the skills of defense lawyers, we are advancing systemic reform in Pakistan’s criminal justice system.