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Disability in the Criminal Legal System

In the United States, disabled individuals are over-represented as both victims of crime and those accused of crimes compared with their non-disabled counterparts. This overrepresentation is even higher for those with disabilities and other marginalized identities. To help legal system professionals address these inequities, NACDL is offering an array of trainings and resources. 

From February to April, NACDL, in partnership with Disability Belongs™, hosted a 3-part webinar series on disability in the criminal legal system. Click on the buttons below to watch the titles in this series.

Disability 101 Accessibility Inclusion

Additional resources on disability rights are available on our resource page.

Disability Resources



Disability 101: Disability and the Criminal Legal System

PowerPoint Slides PDF Transcript

 

 

Presenters

  • Ariel Simms (they/she), President and Chief Executive Officer, RespectAbility
  • Graciano Petersen (he/him), Senior Director of Talent, Culture, and Training, RespectAbililty

Accessibility and Universal Design for Legal Professionals

PowerPoint Slides PDF Transcript

 

Presenters:

  • Ariel Simms (they/she), President and Chief Executive Officer, RespectAbility
  • Graciano Petersen (he/him), Senior Director of Talent, Culture, and Training, RespectAbililty

 

Fostering Disability-Inclusive Cultures and Workplaces

PowerPoint Slides PDF Transcript

 

Presenters:

  • Graciano Petersen (he/him), Vice President of People, Culture, and Learning, RespectAbility  
  • Eric Ascher (he/him), Senior Associate, Communications, RespectAbility

To learn more about the intersection of disability and the legal system, and for a list of related resources, visit the resource page below.

Disability Resources 

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RECENTLY ADDED & UPCOMING

  1. The Champion
    March/April 2025 Cover

    March/April 2025

    What are the evidentiary implications of field sobriety tests in marijuana cases? Does the odor of marijuana give officers probable cause to search a vehicle?

  2. Amicus Brief
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    Wilmer Cutler Pickering Hale and Dorr LLP v. Executive Office of the President

    Brief of the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers and New York Council of Defense Lawyers as Amici Curiae in Support of Plaintiff’s Motion for Summary Judgment.

  3. News Release

    Nation’s Defense Bar Reiterates Opposition to Actions Against Law Firms – Washington, DC (March 18, 2025)

    The National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers (NACDL) remains deeply concerned over recent executive orders targeting law firms, most recently Paul Weiss and Perkins Coie, and repeats its call to uphold the right to counsel and the independence of the legal profession. Despite a ruling blocking the action against Perkins Coie, the administration has continued to target law firms representing disfavored clients and positions, threatening the right to a zealous defense.

  4. Live Event
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    2025 Forensic Science & Technology Seminar

    "Making Sense of Science: Forensic Science, Technology & the Law"

    LOCATION: Sahara Las Vegas Hotel & Casino, Las Vegas, NV
    DATES: April 24-26, 2025

  5. Trials, Technology, and the Fourth Amendment: Case Law Review [Engage & Exchange]

    EXCLUSIVE NACDL MEMBER BENEFIT
    WHEN:
    Tuesday, April 29, 2:00-3:30pm ET / 11:00am-12:30pm PT
    CLE CREDIT: not available
    COST: Free

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