- An understanding of and commitment to best practices in indigent defense
- An understanding of and commitment to best practices for public defenders in upholding Sixth Amendment rights
- Reflection on your own actions that help or hinder delivery of Sixth Amendment rights and representation of your client
- A willingness to learn from successful projects and model programs in other jurisdictions
Public Defense
Public defenders are tasked with serving as the lawyers for people who are accused of crimes and who cannot afford a lawyer.
The job description for public defenders and other indigent defense attorneys stems directly from the Sixth Amendment right to counsel. The public defender must be competent in handling criminal law matters, and each defender must provide effective legal assistance to each client. This is easier said than done, as too often, these requirements are paired with an overburdened caseload and/or not enough resources. Working to ensure justice for all required partnership with other stakeholders such as the Prosecution to ensure pretrial justice and early access to counsel.
What do I need to do to accomplish my role?
How might I be hindering justice?
- Not discussing the case with a client before their arraignment/first appearance in court
- Not considering the client’s wishes and preferences in forming the case strategy
- Not providing competent representation in hearings or at trial
- Not seeking out favorable evidence or witnesses
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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.