February 15, 1997
RESOLUTION
of the Board of Directors
NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF CRIMINAL DEFENSE LAWYERS
New Orleans, LA
February 15, 1997
WHEREAS, the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers is acutely
aware of the grave deficiencies identified by the American Bar Association in
ensuring due process in the implementation of the Death Penalty today across the
United States. Now Therefore Be It
RESOLVED, that the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers,
while reiterating and reinforcing its vigorous opposition to the infliction of death as
punishment for crime, commends the American Bar Association for its call for an
immediate moratorium on the use of the Death Penalty.
RESOLVED, that to assure prompt remedial action, NACDL urges the
American Bar Association to give the highest priority to full implementation of such
a moratorium, including the filing of amicus pleadings in support of efforts to halt
ongoing proceedings; and that the ABA -- through its influential publications, public
affairs activities, presentation of testimony, lobbying influence and grassroots
apparatus -- undertake widespread and intensive efforts in the media and in
Congress, in state legislatures, and before the judiciary to inform the American
public, legislators, governors and judges of the manifest unfairness being suffered by
citizens facing death without due process and the right to counsel, which unfairness
perverts this nation's precious system of justice; and that the ABA strive in an
affirmative manner to correct these infringements of the fundamental rights of
American citizens.
AND FURTHER RESOLVED, that the President of the ABA, appropriate
sections and committees, and other officials and staff take all appropriate action with
all deliberate speed to bring about implementation of a moratorium on the death
penalty in the Untied States, at least while current conditions persist.
(Adopted February 15, 1997
by unanimous action of the Board of Directors
at its Midwinter Meeting in New Orleans.)
National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers (NACDL)