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Minor Crimes, Massive Waste: The Terrible Toll of America’s Broken Misdemeanor Court
The explosive growth of misdemeanor cases is placing a staggering burden on America's courts. Defenders across the country are forced to carry unethical caseloads that leave too little time for clients to be properly represented. As a result, constitutional obligations are left unmet and taxpayers’ money is wasted.
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Report:
For an in-depth expose on misdemeanor court systems around the country, please click here for NACDL’s report: Minor Crimes, Massive Waste: The Terrible Toll of America’s Broken Misdemeanor Court.
 Read Report
Read the Executive Summary
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Media
Selected Press Coverage
- Study Finds "Massive Waste" in Misdemeanor Cases
New York Times, April 29, 2009
- Stop Prosecuting Many Misdemeanors, Defense Counsel Group Suggests
ABA Journal, April 30, 2009
- Misdemeanor Courts Are a Waste of Time and Money
Law.com, April 30, 2009
- No Small Matters of Justice: Crackdowns on Minor Infractions Shouldn't Be Allowed to Overwhelm the Courts
The Roanoke Times, May 3, 2009
- Minor Crime, Massive Waste
CNN.com, In Session, May 5, 2009
- Petty Crime Doesn't Pay
CNN.com, In Session: Sidebar, May 5, 2009
- Editorial: Change Needed in Prosecuting Minor Crimes
Tacoma News Tribune, May 6, 2009
- Miami-Dade PD Caseload Five Times National Average: Study Finds Courts Waste Time, Precious Money on Petty Crimes
Miami Daily Business Review, May 7, 2009
- Editorial: Look At the Cost of Petty Prosecution
Lincoln Journal Star, May 24, 2009
Report Appendix
National Standards
State Standards
Ethics
Statutes and Ordinances
Caseload Litigation
Publications
State Indigent Defense Reports
Diversion Programs
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| State Reform
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National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers (NACDL)
1660 L St., NW, 12th Floor, Washington, DC 20036
(202) 872-8600 • Fax (202) 872-8690 •
assist@nacdl.org
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