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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On September 9, 2015, NACDL released a report titled “Federal Indigent Defense 2015: The Independence Imperative.” The report articulates seven fundamental principles that are essential to ensure a robust federal indigent defense system.
Some criminal defense attorneys use social media platforms, such as Twitter, to provide insight and commentary about the legal system. While this can be an effective approach, attorneys should consider the ethics rules before posting on social media. Professor Nicole Smith Futrell discusses the key ethical considerations, and she offers guidance to defenders on how to responsibly draw from their specialized knowledge and the experiences of their clients in order to expose systemic injustice.
NACDL News January-February 2019
Jeff Adachi died suddenly on Feb. 22, 2019. His death came just weeks after he had been sworn in to serve his fifth term as San Francisco Public Defender. His office was recognized for the trailblazing work he led to challenge the tyranny of cash bail.
This article describes the history, function and evolution of Colorado’s statewide conflict counsel agency, the Colorado Office of the Alternate Defense Counsel.
Indigent Defense Community Stunned by Ruling in Duncan v. State In a surprise move on July 16, the Michigan Supreme Court reversed its Apr. 30 decision upholding a challenge to the state’s patchwork indigent defense system, ordering the tri
Promoting the Fair Administration of Criminal Justice: Across the Issues and Across the Country (Inside NACDL) Norman L. Reimer Inside NACDL November 2011 7 Earlier this fall, NACDL conducted a survey to assess the Association’s value to the national defense community. More than 1,800 members and
NACDL has launched a 12-month celebration of the Gideon v. Wainwright decision.
Without a lawyer’s presence and zealous advocacy at the initial bail hearing, unreasonable bail amounts result.
Recognize the problems that continue to exist, acknowledge the severity of the issues, and strive to take measures needed for reform.
Lawyers should not only know how to secure investigative, expert, or other services necessary to adequately represent clients, but should take advantage of all services available.
The man who represented the state of Florida in Gideon reminisces.
U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder and former U.S. Attorney General Dick Thornburgh discuss the importance of the right to counsel for indigents.
Being a successful public defender means more than winning an acquittal, earning a dismissal, or negotiation a great plea.
Did failure of Betts v. Brady to provide a workable standard for providing counsel make the Gideon decision inevitable?
