This training program will aid those working to defend persons accused of homicide in drug-related overdose deaths. Each section of the program focuses on a different aspect of these cases. CLE is not available for this program.

To help defenders understand the law, the science, and the messaging underlying these prosecutions, NACDL is offering a FREE, on-demand training videos on Defending Drug Overdose Homicides.

Funded by a grant from Vital Strategies, a public health organization committed to building community oriented, science-backed solutions which promote a sustained reduction in overdose deaths, this on-demand training content is designed to educate and empower defenders to tackle these challenging and difficult cases.

See the various issues on which NACDL has conducted criminal justice advocacy in New Jersey. Scroll to the bottom of the page to see active legislation in New Jersey that NACDL is tracking. 

Presented by: Jennifer Sellitti, Director of Training and Communications, New Jersey Office of the Public Defender; and Alexander Shalom, Senior Supervising Attorney, American Civil Liberties Union of New Jersey (ACLU-NJ)

Presented by: Jennifer Sellitti, Director of Training and Communications, New Jersey Office of the Public Defender; and Alexander Shalom, Senior Supervising Attorney, American Civil Liberties Union of New Jersey (ACLU-NJ)

Despite assurances that, “[I]n our society, liberty is the norm, and detention prior to trial…the carefully limited exception,” over 75 percent of those detained in local jails have not been convicted of a crime.

22^nd Annual State Criminal Justice Network Conference
August 16-17, 2023 | Held Virtually

This panel highlights policing reforms adopted over the last year and what still needs to be done.

20^th Annual State Criminal Justice Network Conference
August 18-20, 2021 | Held Virtually

State and local law enforcement agencies are employing dystopian technology like face recognition, drone cameras and predictive policing programs to investigate, charge and prosecute people. These powerful tools are criminalizing communities, often with little transparency of how they were acquired and how they are used. Learn how to uncover and confront these technologies at the state and local level.

NACDL's 19th Annual State Criminal Justice Network Conference
August 17-19, 2020 | Held Virtually

At least 85,000 law enforcement officers across the U.S. have been investigated or disciplined for misconduct over the past decade according to a USA Today investigation. Police disciplinary records are confidential in roughly 21 states, meaning people facing charges aren’t able to learn about the background of involved officers. Learn why transparency is vital and current state legislative efforts to allow for increased transparency of police misconduct records.

NACDL's 19th Annual State Criminal Justice Network Conference
August 17-19, 2020 | Held Virtually

Ending mass incarceration will require changing sentencing policies and practices. But where are we now and what impact will COVID-19 have? Learn about varies state sentencing reform efforts, as well as release options during the COVID-19 pandemic and what states can do moving forward as a result of the pandemic.

NACDL's 19th Annual State Criminal Justice Network Conference
August 17-19, 2020 | Held Virtually

In January 2022, New Jersey provided statutory protection for abortion as a “fundamental right.” S.B. 49/A6260, 2022 Leg., 279th Sess. (N.J. 2022) (Freedom of Reproductive Choice Act). The legislation, which codifies the constitutional right to reproductive choice previously recognized by the New Jersey Supreme Court on state constitutional grounds.

Public defense issues and developments in New Jersey

NACDL's work on pretrial advocacy in New Jersey highlighted by the publication of the New Jersey Bail Manual.  [Released December 2016]

NACDL worked with the Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers of New Jersey (ADCL-NJ) to advocate for the repeal mandatory minimums in New Jersey. 

NACDL supports improved transparency around police disciplinary records in New Jersey.