Destination CLE
The Trial of Amanda Knox: Forced Confessions and the Wrongfully Convicted
MEDITERRANEAN CRUISE
August 30 - September 6, 2025
8 CLE Credit Hours
PORTS OF CALL
Barcelona, Spain Gibraltar Marseilles, France
Genoa, Italy La Spezia, Cinque Terre Civitavecchia, Rome
CRUISE PACKAGES STARTING AT $2800
INCLUDES 8 HOURS OF CLE CREDIT.
GET THE DETAILS
Amanda Knox, from Seattle, Washington, was living the dream. She saved her money to study abroad and intended to experience all that life has to offer in Perugia, Italy. Her plan was to study for one year in Italy and become immersed in the Italian culture. But her dream turned into a nightmare as her roommate, Meredith Kercher was murdered, and all eyes soon turned toward the American.
This harrowing tale is a caution of travelling abroad expecting American due process. Not every country follows the same legal rules as we do. Right to counsel. Right against self-incrimination. Forced confessions.
The tale of the Amanda Knox trial will re-enforce legal principles of due process. It will also give you practical considerations when advising clients who are experiencing legal situations in foreign jurisdictions. And at the end of this saga, you will gain a new understanding and appreciation for our legal systems and traditions.
CRUISE AND CLE SCHEDULE
SATURDAY - AUGUST 30
Barcelona, Spain
Embarkation Day
Founded by Romans in the first century BC, Barcelona is the vibrant capital of Catalonian Spain. Many of the worlds finest treasures can be seen in Barcelonas museums and monuments. Romanesque and Gothic frescoes and treasures can be enjoyed at the Catalan Art Museum. Among the most treasured sites is Gaudis masterpiece, The Sagrada Familia.
SUNDAY - AUGUST 31
CLE Sessions while at Sea
8:00 AM - CLE Registration - The Amanda Knox Trial
9:00 - 10:00 AM- Session 2 - Amanda Knox’s forced confession: Abusive police tactics and constitutional rights
8:00 - 9:00 AM - Session 1 - The Amanda Knox Trial: Evidence of a murder
10:00 - 10:15 AM -Break
11:00 AM - 12:00 PM- The Appeal and Second Trial – Comparing the American Appellate System with International Systems
10:15 - 11:00 AM- Session 3 - The Amanda Knox Trial: Comparing Italian Due Process with American Due Process
MONDAY - SEPTEMBER 1
Gibraltar
Located at the southernmost tip of Europe, the Rock of Gibraltar is literally between the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea. Its unique location has played a pivotal role in history, as countries fought for control over this busy seaport.
TUESDAY - SEPTEMBER 2
CLE Sessions while at Sea
8:00 AM - CLE Registration - The Amanda Knox Trial – Other Wrongful Verdicts?
8:00 - 9:00 AM - Session 1 - Salem Witchcraft Trials
9:00 - 10:00 AM- Session 2 - Leo Frank Trial
10:00 - 10:15 AM -Break
10:15 - 11:00 AM- Session 3 -West Memphis Three Trials
11:00 AM - 12:00 PM- 10 Ethical Tips from Hollywood Movies
WEDNESDAY - SEPTEMBER 3
Marseilles, France
Founded nearly 26 centuries ago, Marseilles is the oldest city in France, a mosaic of old and new with a dozen villages and eight islands, each offering a world of enchanting discoveries. At nearby Avignon, visit the magmificient Palace of the Popes and the hilltop Basilica Notre Dame de la Garde. Explore ruins of 13th century Palais Longchamps and colorful "Old Harbour" where you can browse open-air markets.
THURSDAY - SEPTEMBER 4
Genoa, Italy
For centuries, Genoa has been a major commercial seaport. Today, it is one of Italy's largest cities. Genoa is located in northwestern Italy, in the inner harbor of the Gulf of Genoa. This city was once home to Christopher Columbus and world-renowned violinist Niccolò Paganini. Within the city's medieval walls you can wander the caruggi (alleys) where the wealthy Genovese lived and guilds set up shop. The alleys are still home to specialty shops, Baroque and Romanesque churches and 500-year-old apartment buildings.
FRIDAY - SEPTEMBER 5
Le Spezia, Cinque Terre
Cinque Terre, the five towns, is a string of five ancient fishing villages perched high on the Italian Riviera just south of Genoa in northwest Italy. The tiny villages were until recently linked only by mule tracks and accessible only by rail or water.
SATURDAY - SEPTEMBER 6
Civitavecchia, Rome
For centuries the ancient port of Civitavecchia has served as the gateway to magnificent Rome. Its a city so immersed in history, you'll find yourself drifiting back to a distant time. Home of Michelangelos Sistine Chapel, Rome flourishes today as she did in her Golden Age. Experience Rome, a city of colossal ruins, majestic cathedrals and a golden past, worthy of many return visits.
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 Bar on Saturday, August 30, 2025 from Barcelona
7-night trip going to Meditterean
Visiting: Barcelona, Spain Gibraltar Marseilles, France. Genoa, Italy Florence/Pisa, Italy Civitavecchia, Rome
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:
$2753
Deluxe Balcony:
$3928
Cabana Balcony:
$5333
ATTORNEY + Guest
$1000 deposit today
Interior Room:
$3928
Deluxe Balcony:
$5452
Cabana Balcony:
$5908
ATTORNEY + ATTORNEY
$1000 deposit today
Interior Room:
$4528
Deluxe Balcony:
$6052
Cabana Balcony:
$6508
For Accommodations for three or more people don't hesitate to get in touch with your travel agent at mary.despain@cruiseplanners.com.
Get a custom quote for your group. Simply let our team know about your group's needs by submitting the form below or emailing us at explore@destinationcles.com.
GET A QUOTE
Destination CLEs is a concierge service and Continuing Legal Education provider. Our full-service concierge identifies best options for your flights among the many airlines and providers. If you want to extend your trips, we can arrange additional accommodations and activities. We also provide travel insurance quotes!