Persons with disabilities represent one of the nation's largest minority populations. They are overrepresented in the criminal legal system as persons who are accused as well as persons who are victims of crime. In both the criminal legal system and in society generally, persons with disabilities are often denied meaningful access to the processes and protections afforded to the general population. These training materials and resources provide introduction to some of the issues and challenges that exist in our criminal legal system for persons with disabilities. 

The Sixth Amendment states that "[i]n all criminal prosecutions, the accused shall enjoy the right to . . . trial, by an impartial jury...."  The focus on jury impartiality was rooted in the desire to preserve individual liberty in the face of a tyranical government.

“[A]n essential component” of the right to an impartial jury is the “selection of a jury from a representative cross-section of the community.” Taylor v. Louisiana, 419 U.S. 522, 528 (1975).

The Justice For All: Strengthening the Sixth Amendment Project provides Training and Technical Assistance (TTA) to state and local jurisdictions to strengthen and support the core rights and protections guaranteed by the Sixth Amendment.

“In all criminal prosecutions, the accused shall enjoy the right to a speedy and public trial, by an impartial jury of the State and district wherein the crime shall have been committed, which district shall have been previously ascertained by law, and to be informed of the nature and cause of the accusation; to be confronted with the witnesses against him; to have compulsory process for obtaining witnesses in his favor, and to have the Assistance of Counsel for his defence.”
—U.S. Constitution, Amendment VI

The Association of Prosecuting Attorneys, The National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, The National Center for State Courts, and RTI International (Collectively the Justice for All Grant Partners) are seeking proposals from qualified firms or individuals to design a comprehensive community outreach campaign aimed at increasing participation in jury service. The goal of this initiative is to educate, engage, and encourage a diverse range of community members to take part in the jury service process.

"This practice of impeachment by prior conviction is an antiquated anachronism that is both indefensible under its stated rationale and a prime perpetuator of racial bias in both the criminal and civil legal systems."

See what Sixth Amendment work is happening in California.

See what Sixth Amendment work is happening in Louisiana

See what Sixth Amendment work is happening in Florida.

See what Sixth Amendment work is happening in Michigan.

See what Sixth Amendment work is happening in Indiana.

“[A]n essential component” of the right to an impartial jury is the “selection of a jury from a representative cross-section of the community.” Taylor v. Louisiana, 419 U.S. 522, 528 (1975).

Learn about jury diversity from national experts, local judicial officials, and practitioners.