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NACDL is committed to enhancing the capacity of the criminal defense bar to safeguard fundamental constitutional rights.
NACDL harnesses the unique perspectives of NACDL members to advocate for policy and practice improvements in the criminal legal system.
NACDL envisions a society where all individuals receive fair, rational, and humane treatment within the criminal legal system.
NACDL’s mission is to serve as a leader, alongside diverse coalitions, in identifying and reforming flaws and inequities in the criminal legal system, and redressing systemic racism, and ensuring that its members and others in the criminal defense bar are fully equipped to serve all accused persons at the highest level.
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A new NACDL report outlines the ways in which Marsy’s Law, the colloquial name for a model Victims’ Bill of Rights, undermines fundamental due process rights.
23rd Annual State Criminal Justice Network Conference August 14-15, 2024 | Held Virtually
Marsy's Law, a victims’ rights constitutional amendment, would bestow upon crime victims a vast array of often vague, difficult and costly to administer rights, including extensive notification, involvement, privacy, and restitution provisions, and enshrine them in state constitutions. This amendment has far-reaching consequences for state criminal justice systems across the country. Hear from various stakeholders and learn how state advocates can help stave off this legislation.
NACDL's 19th Annual State Criminal Justice Network Conference August 17-19, 2020 | Held Virtually
Marsy’s Law is the colloquial name for a model Victims’ Bill of Rights that enshrines victims’ rights within state constitutions. Victims’ rights were already codified and protected in most states. However, Marsy’s Law enshrines its flawed one-size-fits-all model within the state constitutions, creating unintended consequences for the criminal legal system.
[Released August 2024]
NACDL opposed Marsy's Law, a sweeping victims' rights constitutional amendment, in North Carolina.
NACDL opposed Marsy's Law, a sweeping victims' rights constitutional amendment, in Nevada.
NACDL opposed Marsy's Law, a sweeping victims' rights constitutional amendment, in Kentucky.
NACDL opposed Marsy's Law, a sweeping victims' rights constitutional amendment, in Georgia.
NACDL opposed Marsy's Law, a sweeping victims' rights constitutional amendment, in Florida.
NACDL opposed Marsy's Law, a sweeping victims' rights constitutional amendment, in Oklahoma.
NACDL talking points on Marsy's Law. It is important to remember the audience when targeting messages. While lawmakers have the time and the will to study policy implications, the general public will only react to simple, clear, and concise ideas. For example, point four and point six above will most likely have more impact with an everyday person, while points one and two will be of more interest to legislators.
Brief for National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers as Amicus Curiae in Support of Appellees.
Brief for National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers as Amicus Curiae in Support of Petitioners.
Marsy's Law Model Constitutional Amendment
