The Champion®

NACDL's renowned journal, The Champion® magazine, offers timely, informative articles written for and by criminal defense lawyers, featuring the latest developments in search and seizure laws, DUI/DWI, grand jury proceedings, habeas, the exclusionary rule, death penalty, RICO, federal sentencing guidelines, forfeiture, white collar crime, and more. 

It is a highly valued NACDL member benefit, only available for NACDL members.

Current Issue

August 2025 Cover August 2025

How can lawyers be authentic when giving their opening statements? What was the goal of the First Step Act, and how is it going wrong?

 

Articles in this Issue

 

  1. Affiliate News

    What events are NACDL affiliates hosting this month? Find out here.

    Jessica Stepan

  2. Book Review: Alive. Again. by Andreea Parc

    This month Susan Elizabeth Reese reviews Alive. Again.: My Journey from Attorney to Redemption … in Prison by Andreea Parc.

    Susan Elizabeth Reese

  3. Book Review: Truth & Persuasion in the Digital Revolution by Ronald W. Chapman II

    This month Laith Quasem reviews Truth & Persuasion in the Digital Revolution by Ronald W. Chapman II.

    Laith Quasem

  4. Book Review: You Might Go to Prison, Even Though You’re Innocent by Justin Brooks

    This month Jeff Gamso reviews You Might Go to Prison, Even Though You’re Innocent by Justin Brooks.

    Jeff Gamso

  5. From the President: Weaponizing Justice

    The Role of the Criminal Defense Lawyer in an Era of Rapid Change

    Artificial intelligence (AI) is reshaping the legal landscape at breakneck speed. Defense lawyers must embrace AI technology to enhance their advocacy, streamline their practices, and level the playing field.

    Andrew S. Birrell

  6. Memory & Perception: The Complexities of Video-Recorded Evidence in the Legal System

    People believe video evidence shows a complete, objective account of what occurred. But does it?

    Kathy Pezdek and Daniel Reisberg

  7. New Lawyer Primer: 10 Tips on Using Authenticity to Craft Effective Opening Statements

    While young lawyers spend considerable time learning the essentials of a strong opening statement, the importance of delivering it authentically often goes overlooked. How can lawyers infuse their values, spirit, and personality into opening statements?

    Juanita Kimble

  8. Perspective: Mind the Bias: Defense Counsel’s Approach to Just Outcomes

    Defense lawyers should learn more about cognitive biases and implement debiasing techniques to achieve justice.

    Dr. Gleb Tsipursky

  9. Pozner on Cross: Lessons Learned: Bad Advice Edition

    Larry Pozner discusses some of the bad advice criminal defense lawyers have been given over the years.

    Larry Pozner

  10. The FSA: Its Implementation, What’s Wrong, and How to Fix It

    The First Step Act was designed to incentivize prisoners to participate in recidivism-reducing programs and activities so that when released, they would return to their communities in a better position and would not reoffend and return to prison. So, where is the FSA going wrong?

    Susan M. Giddings and Bruce W. Cameron

  11. Three Keys to Creating Winning Arguments: Pathos, Logos, and Ethos

    How do attorneys communicate and persuade others to think and act in the courtroom? Steven Epstein discusses pathos, logos, and ethos, and he explains how defense lawyers can employ these concepts to advocate more persuasively.

    Steven Epstein

  12. Time Management Solutions for Criminal Defense Lawyers

    Jay Ruane explores numerous time management techniques tailored for the unique demands faced by criminal defense lawyers. He summarizes different styles that one can adopt and use to become more efficient and effective.

    Jay Ruane

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