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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.
The following two pieces, both from public defenders, celebrate the work being done day in and day out by public defenders, contractors, and court appointed attorneys and demonstrate the power of public defense. NACDL thanks all who do this work and contribute to the cause of justice.
Don’t ask a public defender about defending guilty people, ask how good it feels to defend the Constitution, by Deborah Levi, The Baltimore Sun
“Did he do it? Do you know?” “How do you defend people who are actually guilty?” These are always the first questions I get when people learn that I am a public defender. Their focus is always on guilt and how wretched it must be to stand with people who are accused of such heinous crimes. This Friday marks the 60th anniversary of the Supreme Court’s decision in Gideon v. Wainwright, which formally established the right to counsel for people accused of a crime in the United States. In honor of Public Defense Day, and in celebration of my colleagues, I want to share what it is actually like to be a public defender.
Respect the Truth about Public Defenders, by Alison Frutoz, Medium
As a public defender for the last 25 years, every day I have walked into the Douglas County courthouse on the side of Truth. Our courthouse has three entrances. My office enters the courthouse under the word “Truth;” the District Attorney’s Office is on the side marked “Justice.” It has always struck me as funny — and revealing — that Justice and Truth do not share the same side. I think most people would expect that truth and justice would work together in our court system, but as public defenders we quickly learn this is more often the exception than the rule.
Webinar: Strong Women, Bold Defense
Watch as a panel of experienced practicioners delve into 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.
Litigation
Everyone has the right to have a skilled and zealous advocate when they face a criminal accusation. However, in many states and localities people are left waiting months or more to have a lawyer assigned to their case. Through our amicus work and direct litigation, NACDL works to ensure the right to counsel is protected, advocating for the prompt appointment of counsel.
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.
Public Defense Scholarships
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?
Want to help support training opportunities for public defense lawyers? Make a donation to NACDL’s Foundation for Criminal Justice.
NACDL Awards
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. Past award recepients include The International Legal Foundation and the Legal Aid Society of Puerto Rico’s Juvenile Justice Program
Questions about NACDL's work in Public Defense, contact Director of Public Defense, Bonnie Hoffman.
BHoffman@nacdl.org
@GideonGuardian
