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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 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 tyrannical government. Defendents have the right to a trial by a jury which represents a fair cross-section of their community. The Roadmap to Representative Jury webinar covers some of the factors that contribute to racial and ethnic disparities on juries, why diverse juries matter, how the fair cross section requirement differs from equal protection, as well as some model practices for improving jury diversity.
Through funding from the Bureau of Justice Assistance, NACDL and grant partners present a list of resources relevant to the Sixth Amendment right to an impartial and representative jury.
Watch: From the Community to the Courtroom: Increasing Diversity and Access to the Jury Box
In this three-part webinar series, the nation’s leading jury experts, scholars, and practitioners discuss why diverse juries matter, the challenges to achieving jury diversity, as well as what solutions and reforms are on the horizon.
Disability in the Criminal Legal System
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In partnership with Disability Belongs™, NACDL presents an array of resources and training content on disability rights and accessibility.
NACDL Store
Check out these products, each providing vital resources on voir dire and juries for your next trial.
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.
Lawsuit Info More on Systemic LItigation
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.
Champion of Public Defense Award
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. Nominations for the 2025 Champion of Public Defense are now open.
Prior Awardees Nomination Form
Questions about NACDL's work in Public Defense, contact Director of Public Defense, Bonnie Hoffman.
BHoffman@nacdl.org
@GideonGuardian
