NACDL - National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers
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Public Defense
"Lawyers in criminal cases are necessities, not luxuries." - Gideon v. Wainwright, 1963
Featured Resource
This month we are featuring resources relating to investigations and the critical role investigation plays in effective representation. As Principle 9 of the ABA's Ten Principles of a Public Defense Delivery System recognize, "Public Defense Providers should have the assistance of investigators, social workers, mitigation specialists, experts, and other specialized professionals necessary to meet public defense needs."
In 2021 NACDL, in partnership with RTI International and the Texas Indigent Defense Commission, undertook a study of investigator usage in the state's public defense cases. The team collected data, conducted surveys and did qualitiative interviews of stakeholders, including investigators, defense lawyers, and judges to better understand current practices. Through this process they identified system strengths as well as factors that were contributing to the apparent low rates of investigator usage and issued recommendations to help improve practices.
Few names in public defense are as iconic as that of Clarence Earl Gideon. In 1961, with an 8th grade education and a history of being in and out of jail, Gideon stood trial for burglary of a Florida pool hall. When the court called the case and asked if he was ready for trial Gideon replied "I am not ready, your Honor." When the judge asked why, he explained "I have no counsel."
Click here to learn more about this landmark case, the lawyers who argued it, and the generations of lawyers carrying on this legacy today.
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 2026 Champion of Public Defense are now open.