Washington, D.C. (Nov. 7, 2024) – Christopher A. Wellborn, President of the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers (NACDL) stated:
“The right to vote is a cornerstone of our democracy, and millions of Americans exercised this fundamental right in choosing our nation’s next leader. While reactions to the election’s outcome may be sharply divided, as defense attorneys, we remain united by our mission to ensure the criminal legal system operates fairly for all accused. For 66 years, NACDL has pursued this mission on behalf of its members throughout Democratic and Republican administrations. I want to take a moment to reaffirm the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers' (NACDL) unwavering commitment to standing as liberty’s last champion, pressing back against government overreach, and ensuring that our criminal legal system lives up to its ideals.
“Our work has never been more critical, especially as governmental power and surveillance grow with advancements in AI and other emerging technologies. We remain steadfast in our mission to protect the fundamental rights enshrined in our Constitution. Whether combating overcriminalization in all its forms, restoring the vanishing right to trial, protecting Fourth Amendment rights in the digital age, holding prosecutors and law enforcement officials accountable for misconduct, or promoting fair sentencing and second chances—our shared values guide us.
“As we look to the future, we are prepared to engage with the new Trump administration to seek critical reforms within the criminal legal system that balance justice and liberty and respect the dignity of all individuals.
“We face challenges ahead, but I am confident that together, we will continue to fight for justice, equity, and the protection of civil liberties. I am proud to serve alongside our nearly 11,000 members nationwide in this noble cause. I am also grateful for the opportunity to work alongside all members of the national defense community and appreciate their continued dedication to the ideals that make us stronger, freer, and more just.”
Contacts
Jonathan Hutson, NACDL Senior Director of Public Affairs and Communications, 202-480-5343 or jhutson@nacdl.org
The National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers is the preeminent organization advancing the mission of the criminal defense bar to ensure justice and due process for persons accused of crime or wrongdoing. A professional bar association founded in 1958, NACDL's many thousands of direct members in 28 countries – and 90 state, provincial and local affiliate organizations totaling up to 40,000 attorneys – include private criminal defense lawyers, public defenders, military defense counsel, law professors and judges committed to preserving fairness and promoting a rational and humane criminal legal system.
