Letter to U.S. House Judiciary Committee Requesting Supplemental Federal Funding for Coronavirus Response

“Responding to the public health emergency and ensuring the safety of the American people is rightly the primary focus of the federal government at this moment. We write to highlight the urgent need to protect the population that is among […]

Letter to Montgomery County, PA, Board of Commissioners

Letter relating to the termination of a chief and deputy public defender.

Statement on Pretrial Risk Assessment Instruments

We recognize that in some instances RAIs can play an important role in helping jurisdictions to replace oppressive systems of wealth-based detention, while in other instances a fairer system of pretrial justice may be achieved without these instruments. We are […]

Letter to Harris County, TX, County Attorney

Letter relating to the proposed termination of a chief public defender. “NAPD is vitally committed to ensuring that governmental authorities do not encroach on or compromise the independence of the public defense function. It is because of this commitment that […]

Letter in Support of California SB 978

The National Association for Public Defense (NAPD) stands in strong support of your Senate Bill 978, a law that would require state and local law enforcement to release their manuals and policies, which are not exempt from disclosure, online. This […]

Letter to Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors

Letter relating to the selection of an interim defender. “NAPD encourages LA County to step back and begin a process that will ensure the highest qualified person is selected to become the next LA County Public Defender. The process by […]

Letter to U.S. Attorney General on Revised Fines & Fees Policies

“The recent revocation of this guidance memo by Attorney General Sessions doesn’t change the law but it sends a troubling message that the current Justice Department no longer intends to enforce existing law designed to protect one of this country’s […]

Letter on the Organization of Scientific Areas Committees

With this guiding principle, we believe that the Organization of Scientific Areas Committees (OSAC) must continue to take a hard look at problematic methodologies and establish uniform standards for all forensic science disciplines.

Letter to Atlanta Mayor

Letter relating to the removal of a chief public defender.

Position Paper on Qualifications of those Selecting Public Defense Leadership

“The responsibility of selecting quality leadership in a jurisdiction that does not elect its public defender should fall on a board or commission in order to guarantee the independence of the public defense function. NAPD believes that those responsible for […]