DOJ Action on Public Defense
This User Guide provides advocates with a step-by-step outline of how to actualize the vision of the National Youth Defense System Standards to equip and invest in youth defense teams to fight for the liberation of all youth.The User Guide outlines constitutional rights detailed in the System Standards, provides a checklist to assess the presence…
Creates a case for holding states liable for abdicating their duty to ensure that all children have zealous representation.
On August 14, 2013, the U.S. Department of Justice filed a Statement of Interest in a federal lawsuit challenging deprivations of the right to counsel on misdemeanor cases in two cities in Washington. In calling for an independent monitor, the DOJ asserted, “First, a public defender must have the authority to decline appointments over the…
On August 14, 2013, the U.S. Department of Justice filed a Statement of Interest in a federal class action lawsuit on the constructive denial of counsel in criminal proceedings within five counties in New York. The DOJ asserted, “The provision of defense services is a multifaceted and complicated task. To guide the defense function, the…
