Renewed War on Drugs, harsher charging policies, stepped-up criminalization of immigrants — in the current climate, joining the NACDL is more important than ever. Members of NACDL help to support the only national organization working at all levels of government to ensure that the voice of the defense bar is heard.
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NACDL is committed to enhancing the capacity of the criminal defense bar to safeguard fundamental constitutional rights.
NACDL harnesses the unique perspectives of NACDL members to advocate for policy and practice improvements in the criminal legal system.
NACDL envisions a society where all individuals receive fair, rational, and humane treatment within the criminal legal system.
NACDL’s mission is to serve as a leader, alongside diverse coalitions, in identifying and reforming flaws and inequities in the criminal legal system, and redressing systemic racism, and ensuring that its members and others in the criminal defense bar are fully equipped to serve all accused persons at the highest level.
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According to California’s Supreme Court, California is one of nine states where the state Supreme Court has recognized that “the decision to have an abortion raises at least two fundamental rights of the [pregnant person]: the right to life and the right to choose whether to bear children.” People v. Barksdale, 8 Cal. 3d 320, 326, 503 P.2d 257, 261, 105 Cal. Rptr. 1, 5 (1972).
NACDL is providing resources regarding the Criminalization of Pregnancy and Reproductive Health to the criminal defense community. Resources are provided without warranty or guarantee. Please consult the laws and rules of your state and local authorities. Please log in to access them. Membership is NOT required.
22nd Annual State Criminal Justice Network Conference August 16-17, 2023 | Held Virtually
Explore the mechanisms that incentivize police to engage in pretextual traffic stops and examine state and local efforts to stop law enforcement from enforcing minor traffic infractions.
NACDL's 19th Annual State Criminal Justice Network Conference August 17-19, 2020 | Held Virtually When Robocop Becomes Reality: Confronting Technology in the Criminal Justice System
NACDL's 19th Annual State Criminal Justice Network Conference August 17-19, 2020 | Held Virtually First Steps for State Sentencing Reform
Public defense issues and developments in California
NACDL, et al. filed a class action lawsuit seeking release of medically vulnerable individuals from Santa Rita Jail in Alameda County, Calif. The lawsuit seeks to compel Alameda County Sheriff Gregory Ahern to release all medically vulnerable people in custody at Santa Rita or in rare circumstances transfer them to home confinement.
NACDL, et al., filed a Petition for Writ of Mandate Seeking the Immediate and Significant Reduction of County Jail and Juvenile Facility Populations Across the State of California. As explained in the petition, the conditions in these facilities constitute violations of the U.S. Constitution’s Eighth Amendment prohibition on cruel and unusual punishment as well as violations of individuals’ Due Process rights under the Fourteenth Amendment, in addition to violations of the California Constitution and other state and federal laws.
See the various issues on which NACDL has conducted criminal justice advocacy in California. Scroll to the bottom of the page to see active legislation in California that NACDL is tracking.
NACDL continues to oppose the use of face surveillance in California.
NACDL supports legislation to expand opportunities for diversion from the criminal legal system.
Letter to the California Assembly Public Safety Committee in support of Senate Bill 1021, which would allow individuals convicted of certain first-time misdemeanor DUI offenses to be granted diversion.
Letter to Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors.
NACDL supports legislation to reduce the number of mandatory minimum laws and restore judicial discretion in sentencing.
Fact sheet on California SB 1038, which would preserve existing civil rights protections against the use of biometric surveillance by law enforcement on officer-worn body cameras.
Public defense issues and developments in California