- An understanding of and commitment to best practices for policymakers and government agencies in upholding rights, in particular those under the Sixth Amendment
- Reflection on your own actions that help or hinder delivery of equal justice under the law
- A willingness to learn from successful projects and model programs in other jurisdictions
Policymakers & Government Agencies
Although they are typically not present in the courtroom for criminal cases, policymakers and people who work at government agencies are key stakeholders in reforming the criminal justice system.
Although they are typically not present in the courtroom for criminal cases, policymakers and people who work at government agencies are key stakeholders in upholding our justice system.
For one, these stakeholders make important decisions on how laws are written and enforced through legislation, regulations, and court rules, which can shape how constitutional rights are realized. Furthermore, policymakers and government agencies at state and local levels often control the budgets of and distribution of resources to prosecutors, public defenders, courts, and other stakeholders. An imbalance of resources, particularly between prosecutors and public defenders, can lead to hindering of justice.
For one, these stakeholders make important decisions on how laws are written and enforced through legislation, regulations, and court rules, which can shape how constitutional rights are realized. Furthermore, policymakers and government agencies at state and local levels often control the budgets of and distribution of resources to prosecutors, public defenders, courts, and other stakeholders. An imbalance of resources, particularly between prosecutors and public defenders, can lead to hindering of justice.
What do I need to do to accomplish my role?
How might I be hindering justice?
- Distributing resources to prosecutors and public defenders in a way that does not encourage resource parity between the two sides
- Not engaging with criminal justice practitioners to understand the need for and potential effects of new legislation and regulations
- Producing regulations or legislation that directly or indirectly restricts defendants’ access to counsel or other Sixth Amendment rights
Tools for Learning
News
Get Involved
No matter what your role is, you can be a part of the movement to Strengthen the Sixth and ensure fair trials and accurate verdicts for every community.
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