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.
Take a stand for a fair, rational, and humane criminal legal system
Contact members of congress, sign petitions, and more
Help us continue our fight by donating to NFCJ
Help shape the future of the association
Join the dedicated and passionate team at NACDL
Increase brand exposure while building trust and credibility
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.
Showing 1 - 15 of 75 results
What is parallel construction? How can defense counsel discover if it is involved in a client’s case? Jessica Carmichael explains.
Forensic Crime Labs: Scrutinizing Results, Audits & Accreditation Part I
Forensic Crime Labs: Scrutinizing Results, Audits & Accreditation Part 2
By James E. Starrs with Katherine Ramsland
Defense lawyers should learn more about cognitive biases and implement debiasing techniques to achieve justice.
“Surreptitious DNA sample” refers to the collection and analysis of DNA from a person without the person’s knowledge and without coercion. For example, the police may swab a suspect’s DNA from a discarded cigarette. Oded Oren outlines an argument for suppressing the DNA information extracted from the analysis of surreptitiously obtained DNA rather than suppression of the DNA itself or the physical object from which it was obtained.
This month Lisa J. Steele reviews Blood, Powder, and Residue: How Crime Labs Translate Evidence Into Proof by Beth A. Bechky.
Judges and lawyers do not understand the basic principles and methods of science, but they think they do. Is there a way to rectify their deficiencies?
Jurors who enter a courtroom are familiar with DNA evidence and possess preconceived notions of the role this evidence plays in the criminal justice system. In fact, jurors are likely to think that if there is DNA evidence, then the defendant must be guilty of the crime. Instead of focusing solely on battling the scientific validity of the DNA evidence itself, the defense team should consider challenging the logical, inferential connections between the DNA evidence and a finding of guilt. The authors discuss a 2013 trial to illustrate this strategy.
Faulty forensic evidence Michele Nethercott
Search & Seizure Commentary: A Human Look at Canine Sniffing
Illinois v. Caballes: Some Disturbing Questions
Forensic DNA expert Tiffany Roy describes five common types of flawed forensic DNA testimony she encounters when she reviews transcripts of analysts’ testimony.
This month Jaime Roman reviews Justice for Baby Roston by Robert A. Anderson Sr.
White collar lawyers must weigh various considerations in determining how to obtain mobile phone data or limit the government’s access to data. When can the government compel a client to provide the passcode to a mobile device? What is the significance of whether an executive’s mobile phone is owned by the executive or the corporation? This article provides tips about obtaining, protecting, preserving, and reviewing data on mobile phones.
