NACDL - National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers
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Public Defense
On March 18, 1963, in Gideon v. Wainwright, the U.S. Supreme Court laid the foundation for our nation’s public defense system. In their ruling the Court made clear that providing counsel to those facing criminal charges was a “fundamental right, essential to a fair trial.” Today we continue to fight to make the constitutional promises of counsel and of a fair trial realities.
NACDL has long elevated to the top of its agenda reform of the nation’s public defense system and related deficiencies, such as racial and ethnic disparities and the proliferation of collateral consequences, all of which disproportionately impact the poor.
Propelled by this steadfast commitment of its leadership, NACDL has committed unprecedented levels of human capital and financial resources to this struggle. Through scholarship assistance, travel stipends, and the deployment of training teams, NACDL has brought cutting-edge training to thousands of defenders across the nation. And through research, conferences, trainings, litigation, and public hearings, NACDL has endeavored to expose the deficiencies in the nation’s public defense system and promote meaningful reform. NACL embraces as its foremost objective public defense reform and the goal of achieving a criminal justice system that treats every single human being with dignity, equality, and fairness.
Learn more about state level reforms and track bills in your state:
Strong Women, Bold Defense: A Journey Through the Legacy and Evolution of Women in Public Defense
In this webinar, we delve into the role of women in public defense today, examining the obstacles they still face and envisioning the path ahead. This webinar promises a comprehensive exploration of the subject, shedding light on the vital contributions of women throughout history and sparking discussions about the challenges and progress in the field.
Show off your pride in your defense work with these stylish threads. While you check out the store, be sure to browse the vast selection of CLE programming and resource materials.
NACDL, in cooperation with WACDL, the NYU Center on Race, Inequality, and the Law, and Winston Strawn has filed a lawsuit in Wisconsin to address the state’s inability to timely provide access to counsel.
It is critical to ensure public defense lawyers have access to high quality training. Through generous grant funding, NACDL is able to offer scholarships to help defray the costs of registration and travel. Interested in our scholarship program?
NACDL honors individuals and organizations for exceptional efforts in making positive changes to local, county, state, or federal public defense systems with its Champion of Public Defense Award. Nominations for the 2025 Champion of Public Defense are now open.
In this webinar, we delve into the role of women in public defense today, examining the obstacles they still face and envisioning the path ahead. This webinar promises a comprehensive exploration of the subject, shedding light on the vital contributions of women throughout history and sparking discussions about the challenges and progress in the field.
Everyone has the right to have a skilled and zealous advocate when they face a criminal accusation.
It is critical to ensure public defense lawyers have access to high quality training. Through generous grant funding, NACDL is able to offer scholarships to help defray the costs of registration and travel. Interested in our scholarship program? 
NACDL honors individuals and organizations for exceptional efforts in making positive changes to local, county, state, or federal public defense systems with its Champion of Public Defense Award. Nominations for the 2025 Champion of Public Defense are now open. 
