Destination CLE
MEDITERRANEAN CRUISE
September 7-14, 2024
10 CLE Credit Hours
PORTS OF CALL
Athens, Greece
Sicily (Messina), Italy
Kotor, Motenegro
Naples, Italy (Capri & Pompeii)
Corfu, Greece
Barcelona, Spain
CRUISE PACKAGES STARTING AT $4500
INCLUDES 10 HOURS OF CLE CREDIT.
GET THE DETAILS
THE TRIAL OF SOCRATES: STILL ALIVE AND KICKING TODAY
10 HOURS OF CLE INCLUDING 1 HOUR ETHICS
While the trial of Socrates happened well before the advent of Instagram, and the tweets from that time period are somewhat limited, the impact of the Socrates trial on the legal system was and continues to be significant. Socrates was on trial for corrupting the minds of the youth and impiety. Which is rather ironic because most youth think the word revolves around them. This trial significantly impacted the law to this day. In this class, we will learn the importance of public trials, trials by jury, the importance of academic freedom and controlling freedom of thought. This class will prove one thing – the more things change, the more they stay the same
CRUISE AND CLE SCHEDULE
FRIDAY - SEPTEMBER 6TH
8:00 AM - 4:00 PM Tour of Athens - (Optional Excursion)
One of the most ancient cities in the world, Athens Greece is famous as the birthplace of democracy. With a history of over 3,000 years, Athens is the best town for sightseeing. According to the myth, the city took its name after Athena, the Goddess of Wisdom and daughter of Zeus.
4:30 PM - CLE Registration
5:00 - 7:00 PM The Trial
During this CLE segment, we will go over the trial of Socrates. The charges. The prosecution. The defense. The strategies. The jury deliberations. And the verdict. We will visit the place where the Socrates trial took place. We will see first-hand how the legal system worked. We will sit in the jury box as we review the arguments they heard.
SATURDAY - SEPTEMBER 7TH
Athens, Greece
Embarkation Day
Our award-winning Mediterranean cruises bring you to iconic beaches, landmarks and ancient artifacts. See the yacht-lined shores of Kotor while riding on a tuk tuk, an electric rickshaw. Savor the flavors of “Koum Kouat” liqueur, created from Corfu’s exclusive citrus plant. Stroll along the streets of Dubrovnik’s Old town, one of the most well-preserved medieval cities in the world.
SUNDAY - SEPTEMBER 8TH
CLE Sessions while at Sea
8:30 AM - CLE Registration
9:00 - 11:00 AM - Session 1 - The Socrates Trial: The prosecution and defense revisited.
In this session, we review the arguments that were made by the prosecution and the defense. What were the prosecution’s motivations? Do these motivations still exist today? We will explore Socrates’ defense. Finally, we explore the strategies of the sentencing phase of the trial. Was this trial an elaborate suicide plan?
11:00 - 11:15 AM - Break
11:30 AM - 12:15 PM - Session 2 - The Legacy: Cross exam your way to the truth
Socrates was known for his brilliant use of cross examination. In fact, we get the "Socratic Method" from Socrates. In our legal system, cross examinations form the cornerstone of our truth finding quest. We will explore the theories behind the importance and value of cross examination. We will review techniques on how to best cross examine a person. And finally, we will cover how our laws embrace the use of cross examination in the admittance and exclusion of evidence.
12:30 - 1:00 PM - Lunch
1:00 - 2:00 PM - Session 3 - Current law on corrupting the minds of our youth
Socrates was put on trial for corrupting the minds of the youth. But do our laws still protect the cultivation of the youthful mind? Can a person be prosecuted today like Socrates was? This class explores the current laws protecting the minds of the youth and how those cases are prosecuted.
MONDAY - SEPTEMBER 9TH
Kotor, Montenegro
Kotor is a fortified town on Montenegro’s Adriatic coast, in a bay near the limestone cliffs of Mt. Lovćen. Characterized by winding streets and squares, its medieval old town has several Romanesque churches, including Kotor Cathedral. It's also home to the Maritime Museum, which explores local seafaring history. Sveti Đorđe, one of 2 tiny islands off the ancient town of Perast, features a centuries-old church.
TUESDAY - SEPTEMBER 10TH
Corfu, Greece
Corfu, an island off Greece’s northwest coast in the Ionian Sea, is defined by rugged mountains and a resort-studded shoreline. Its cultural heritage reflects years spent under Venetian, French and British rule before it was united with Greece in 1864. Corfu Town, flanked by 2 imposing Venetian fortresses, features winding medieval lanes, a French-style arcade and the grand Palace of St. Michael and St. George.
WEDNESDAY - SEPTEMBER 11TH
Sicily (Messina), Italy
Messina is a harbor city in northeast Sicily, separated from mainland Italy by the Strait of Messina. It’s known for the Norman Messina Cathedral, with its Gothic portal, 15th-century windows and an astronomical clock on the bell tower. Nearby are marble fountains decorated with mythological figures, like the Fontana di Orione, with its carved inscriptions, and the Neptune Fountain, topped by a statue of the sea god.
THURSDAY - SEPTEMBER 12TH
Naples, Italy (Capri & Pompeii)
Pompeii is one of the world's best-preserved ancient cities, excavated from layers of volcanic ash. Capri is a picturesque Italian island off the Amalfi Coast, famous for its serene caves and blue waters. There's a saying that Rome is the heart of Italy, but Naples is its soul. Naples is gritty and chaotic, yet beautiful and authentic at the same time.
FRIDAY - SEPTEMBER 13TH
CLE Sessions while at Sea
8:30 AM - CLE Registration
9:00 - 11:00 AM - Session 1 – Current law on impiety
Socrates was found guilty of impiety. Our laws embrace the concept of a separation between church and state. This class focuses on the history of our “impiety” laws, how our laws impact religious teachings and practices, and the current cases before the Supreme Court on religious freedom issues.
11:00 - 11:15 AM - Break
11:30 AM - 12:15 PM - Session 2 - The Sparta/Athenian conflict still plagues us today
Athens believes in pure democracy. Sparta believed that societies are better run by a select handful of individuals who know better. Believe it or not, but this conflict, which was the basis of the Peloponeian Wars, still plagues our legal systems. Or rather, they form the basis for our legal system. In this thought-provoking CLE, we cover how these principles of pure democracy and rule by an oligarchy form the basis of our current legal system and how every litigator needs to understand this difference to effectively argue cases.
12:30 - 1:00 PM - Lunch
1:00 - 2:00 PM - Session 3 - Deal or No Deal: Socrates Style
Ethics was never meant to be this much fun! Joel co-hosts a weekly podcast called "De-Briefing the Law" where he reports on the crazier side of the law. From this podcast, he has collected stories that will humor your, amaze you, and cause you to re-think your career choices. In this class, which is done game-show style, you, the contestant, will be presented with the facts of a real case. You will then be presented with a deal. Should you take the deal … or take your chance at trial? We will cover inappropriate contact with jurors, fist fighting judges, lying attorneys, inappropriate romantic interludes with clients, substance abuse, and much more.
SATURDAY - SEPTEMBER 14TH
Barcelona, Spain
A captivating blend of art, architecture, history, and Mediterranean charm. The city is renowned for its iconic architect Antoni Gaudí, whose masterpieces like the Sagrada Família and Park Güell define the landscape with their imaginative designs. Stroll down the vibrant La Rambla boulevard, explore the historic Barri Gòtic (Gothic Quarter), and indulge in Catalan cuisine at bustling markets like La Boqueria. The city’s coastline offers sandy beaches and a lively waterfront scene. From its rich cultural heritage to its modern energy, Barcelona presents a captivating destination that seamlessly marries tradition and innovation.
About the Presenter
Joel Oster, ESQ.
Joel is a litigator, national speaker, podcaster and stand-up comic. He currently is in private practice specializing in attorney ethics and constitutional law. Being the host of the podcast, DeBriefing the Law, Joel regularly speaks on attorney ethics nationwide on issues relating to attorneys reaching their full protentional in the practice of law. Joel has spoken to numerous bench and bar conferences and as well as other specialized attorney conferences.
Joel has been lead counsel on two cases that ended up at the United States Supreme Court. He was counsel for the town of Greece, New York in the landmark case Galloway v. Greece. Joel argued the case before the United States District Court for the Western District of New York and the Second Circuit, and was part of the legal team presenting the case to the U.S. Supreme Court where they successfully defended the Town against a challenge to its practice of opening its sessions with an invocation. In addition, Joel argued Trinity Lutheran v. Comer before the Western District of Missouri and the Eighth Circuit, before the Supreme Court decided the case in favor of his clients.
Joel has also spoken to thousands of attorneys across the United States and has learned from their successful and unsuccessful legal practices. Joel brings this practical perspective to all his seminars.
Oster earned his J.D. in 1997 from the University of Kansas School of Law. Oster is admitted to the bar in Kansas, Missouri, Florida, and numerous federal courts.
Ports of Call
Sun Princess
Princess Cruises
Departing Athens on Saturday, September 7th 2024
7-night trip going to Mediterranean
Visiting: Athens, Montenegro, Corfu, Messina, Naples, Barcelona
CLE ACCREDITATION
We'll secure CLE credit approval in your state AFTER you register.
If you register less than 45 days before the conference we'll instruct you on how to secure credit yourself.
CRUISE AND CLE PACKAGES
Experience the perfect getaway with multiple room options and guest packages.
PRINCESS PLUS CRUISE PACKAGE AMENITIES INCLUDE
Wi-Fi (1 device per guest)
Unlimited Juice Bar
Fitness Classes (2 per cruise)
(NEW) OceanNow® Delivery
"Plus" Beverage Package
Premium Desserts (2 per day)
(NEW) 2 Casual Dining Meals per guest
(NEW) Room Service Delivery
ATTORNEY ONLY
$1000 deposit today
Interior Room:
$3758
Outside Room:
$4118
Deluxe Balcony:
$5078
Mini Suite:
$6338
ATTORNEY + Guest
$1000 deposit today
Interior Room:
$4398
Outside Room:
$4758
Deluxe Balcony:
$5718
Mini Suite:
$7124
ATTORNEY + ATTORNEY
$1000 deposit today
Interior Room:
$5048
Outside Room:
$5408
Deluxe Balcony:
$6368
Mini Suite:
$7774
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