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.

Public Defense Day Webinar Social Media Toolkit Litigation Scholarships Awards

Defense lawyers fight every day to protect the rights and interests of both individual clients and the community. Listen to the voices of public defense share their stories about the work they do, the role they play, why they do this work, and the ways in which they serve their communities.

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An Open Letter from NACDL

Read this letter from the Co-Chairs of the NACDL Public Defense Committee, celebrating the work of public defenders and reaffirming the importance and impact of this work.

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Social Media Toolkit

Join NACDL in honoring and celebrating public defense on social media using this toolkit with graphics and sample social media language thanking and honoring public defenders.

Gideon

Strong Women, Bold Defense: A Journey Through the Legacy and Evolution of Women in Public Defense

In this webinar, we delve into the 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.

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NACDL Store

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Featured Products

Show off your pride in your defense work with these stylish threads. While you check out the store, be sure to browse the vast selection of CLE programming and resource materials.

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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.

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Upcoming Events

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?

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Want to help support training opportunities for public defense lawyers? Make a donation to NACDL’s Foundation for Criminal Justice.

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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.