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
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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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"Come as You Are: Finding Your Trial Nirvana in Cross, Openings, and Closings" LOCATION: Sheraton Grand Hotel, Seattle, WA DATES: July 24-27, 2024
NACDL conducts elections annually. In 2024, NACDL will elect thirteen members of its Board of Directors, as well as a President Elect, First and Second Vice Presidents, and a Secretary.
The following NACDL members have been nominated by the Nominating Committee for director and officer positions in the 2024 Annual Election.
Michael P. Heiskell is the 65th President of NACDL. The President guides the Association for a one-year term.
The problem of overcriminalization is multifaceted, with many aspects that pervade our criminal legal system, including the criminalization of conduct that is not harmful to society or others; criminal statutes that lack adequate mens rea, or intent, requirements; ambiguous and vague language in criminal statutes that provide insufficient notice and insufficient limitation on what conduct is criminalized; and the imposition of vicarious liability with insufficient requirement that the charged person was involved in, or even knew about, the underlying conduct.
Michael Heiskell interviews a law school professor and former student who were part of a team that was instrumental in convincing the U.S. Army to overturn the 100-year-old convictions of 110 Black soldiers that stemmed from the Camp Logan riots.
NACDL's Board of Directors met in Washington, D.C., on October 21, 2023, for its Fall Meeting.
NACDL's Board of Directors met in Chicago, Illinois on August 5, 2023, for its Annual Meeting.
Imagine a young Baylor Law School graduate, the first Black student to walk the halls of his institution, staring down a future in a system far from perfect. That's where Michael Heiskell's story begins, and it's a tale woven with threads of resilience, trailblazing, and a relentless pursuit of justice.
NACDL Board Meetings are available for NACDL Members to stream live. The stream will start when the meeting is called to order.
Resources assembled for use by the NACDL Directors and Officers.
Champion of Justice Awards are bestowed upon those individuals who – through legislative, journalistic, philanthropic, or humanitarian pursuits – have staunchly preserved or defended the constitutional rights of individuals in the United States and have endeavored to ensure justice and due process for persons accused of crime.
In additional to an Annual Election, from time to time, the NACDL Board of Directors fills officer and director vacancies through a special elections. Then a special election is called by the Board of Directors, that information will be posted here.
NACDL's membership met on August 5, 2023 in Chicago, IL.
Answer to common asked questions by NACDL Directors and Officers.