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.
Take a stand for a fair, rational, and humane criminal legal system
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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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NACDL advocated for legislation to bolster the due process rights of youth in Maryland.
NACDL supported legislation to end juvenile life without parole sentences in Maryland.
Recent legislative changes to Virginia Code 16.1-272 give the judiciary greater guidance and discretion in sentencing youth convicted of felony offenses in Virginia. This program features an overview of the blended sentencing provisions for juveniles transferred to circuit court followed by a discussion of the new sentencing provisions passed earlier this year.
Speakers: Kristin Henning, Georgetown Law; Dr. Jennifer Woolard, Georgetown University
Speakers: Stephen Harper, Paul Mones
NACDL endorses the proposed Trial Defense Guidelines for Representing a Child Facing a Possible Life Sentence, and recommends that in any jurisdiction which permits the imposition of life sentences upon a child, the public and private defense bar should advocate to ensure that these standards are implemented and that the jurisdictions prosecuting those cases provide adequate resources to ensure compliance with these guidelines
NACDL endorses the Gault at 50 Campaign and supports the following principles.
On April 26, 2022, NACDL sent a letter urging members of the Virginia General Assembly to override Governor Youngkin's veto of HB 1197, which would convene a stakeholder group to examine the feasibility and benefits of transferring responsibility for the Department of Juvenile Justice from the Secretary of Public Safety and Homeland Security to the Secretary of Health and Human Resources.
NACDL is working with a coalition of advocates to end life without parole sentencing for youth in Michigan.
NACDL fully supports the concept that juveniles are different than adults and should be treated as such. NACDL encourages legislators to promote polices that evaluate juvenile family history and brain development prior to developing legislation that could in effect have profound implications on a juvenile's future.
NACDL worked with the Washington Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers to advocate for fairer juvenile sentencing laws.
Reports and other resources related to juvenile justice.
NACDL is supporting legislation to end the automatic charging of youth in adult criminal court.
Letters to the Maryland State Senate Judicial Proceedings Committee and House of Delegates Judiciary Committee regarding proposed legislation to protect the due process rights of youth and end the practice of automatically charging youth in adult criminal court.
NACDL advocated for comprehensive juvenile justice legislation in Massachusetts.
