Renewed War on Drugs, harsher charging policies, stepped-up criminalization of immigrants — in the current climate, joining the NACDL is more important than ever. Members of NACDL help to support the only national organization working at all levels of government to ensure that the voice of the defense bar is heard.
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NACDL is committed to enhancing the capacity of the criminal defense bar to safeguard fundamental constitutional rights.
NACDL harnesses the unique perspectives of NACDL members to advocate for policy and practice improvements in the criminal legal system.
NACDL envisions a society where all individuals receive fair, rational, and humane treatment within the criminal legal system.
NACDL’s mission is to serve as a leader, alongside diverse coalitions, in identifying and reforming flaws and inequities in the criminal legal system, and redressing systemic racism, and ensuring that its members and others in the criminal defense bar are fully equipped to serve all accused persons at the highest level.
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National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers adopted Ethics Opinion 12-02
NACDL's Ethics Committee provides formal ethics advice on relevant issues as circumstances require. Current formal ethics opinions are available below.
Testimony Before The California Commission On The Fair Administration of Justice: Professional Responsibility Issues: Focus Questions 1-3
Testimony Before The California Commission On The Fair Administration of Justice - Professional Responsibility Issues: Focus Question 1(4) Ethical Rules for Public Defenders Caseloads
No. 90-02 - Identity of Client Who Is Legal Resident Alien
No. 90-03 - Client Expresses Intent to Commit Perjury Before Grand Jury
No. 92-02 - Client Perjury
No. 95-01 - Prosecutor May Not Ethically Participate in Selection or Management of Public Defenders
No. 03-01 - Attorney Time Sheets as Evidence
No. 02-01 - Monitored Jail Conversations
No. 03-03 - Requirement for Defendant to "Check In" with Attorney
No. 03-04 - Representation Before Military Commissions
No. 04-01 - Disclosure of Client's Stated Intent to Harm Prosecutor
No. 04-02 - Threat By Client Against Defense Counsel May Be Justification for Withdrawal
1 We are informed that defense counsel was looking for the alleged victim’s aunt, and the alleged victim was at the aunt’s house, answered the door, and agreed to talk to defense counsel on 1 NACDL ETHICS ADVISORY COMMITTEE Formal Opinion No. 04-03 (May 10, 2004) Introduction The Ethics Advisory Committee of the Nation
No. 08-01 - Informal Opinion on Representation at Crack Cocaine Resentencings (Word Document)