Renewed War on Drugs, harsher charging policies, stepped-up criminalization of immigrants — in the current climate, joining the NACDL is more important than ever. Members of NACDL help to support the only national organization working at all levels of government to ensure that the voice of the defense bar is heard.
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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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Links to significant reports and research on sex offense laws, sex offender registries and notification laws, and reforms
This enlightening panel discussion focuses on the critical issues in criminal justice reform pertaining to sex offenses. Our panel of experts delves into the complexities, controversies, and recent developments in this vital area of reform.
23rd Annual State Criminal Justice Network Conference August 14-15, 2024 | Held Virtually
The NACDL Task Force on Risk Assessment Tools commissioned Dr. Melissa Hamilton to produce a comprehensive analysis of how risk assessment tools are developed and applied. This report is a significant contribution to the body of scholarship and resources concerning risk assessment tools. It is an in-depth and accessible resource for practitioners, policymakers, advocates, and indeed all system actors in the nation’s criminal legal apparatus. It is designed to provide the information and guidance necessary to properly assess various risk assessment tools. [Released November 2020]
Brief of the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers as Amicus Curiae in Support of Defendant–Appellee Thomas P. Thayer.
The goal of trying to put an end to child sex offenses is one on which everyone can agree. The best way to meet that goal, however, is debatable. Individuals that children know are responsible for 90% of sex crimes against them. Alix Deschamp discusses the origins of the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act and shows how the original legislation developed into not only a law enforcement tool but also a punitive measure.
Comments to the U.S. Sentencing Commission regarding proposed amendments to the sentencing guidelines.
Comments to the Department of Justice regarding implementation of provisions of the Adam Walsh Act to affect individuals with past sexual offense convictions.
Comments to the Department of Justice Office of Justice Programs SMART Office regarding sex offender registration and community notification.
Report of the Sex Offender Policy Task Force reflecting NACDL's policy on sex offender registries and other practices as adopted by the Board of Directors.
NACDL and its affiliates opposed ABA Resolution 114 because it called for legislatures to adopt laws that would significantly alter the law with respect to sexual assault crimes.
President John Wesley Hall and NACDL Sex Offender Policy Task Force chair Michael Iacopino's letter to the House Judiciary Committee Subcommittee on Crime, Terrorism, and Homeland Security regarding the difficulties of state compliance and other concerns with the Adam Walsh Child Protection and Safety Act of 2006 (H.R. 4472).
Brief of Amici Curiae the Criminal Defense Attorneys of Michigan, National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, the National Association for Public Defense, and the Ohio Public Defender.
Brief of the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, Criminal Defense Attorneys of Michigan, and National Association for Public Defender as Amici Curiae Supporting Affirmance.
Amicus curiae brief of the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers.
Brief of Amicus Curiae National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers in Support of Appellant and Suggesting Reversal.
