NAPD Public Resources

The 2014 Annual Report of the National Association for Public Defense (NAPD) highlights the organization's rapid growth from 30 to nearly 10,000 members within its first year, emphasizing its mission to improve public defense systems across the United States. Founded by public defense advocates, NAPD focuses on grassroots mobilization, resource-sharing, and addressing systemic injustices in the right to counsel, showcasing a unique organizational model that supports all members regardless of their specific roles in public defense.

The report outlines NAPD's initiatives to tackle excessive workloads, improve resource availability, and advocate for legislative changes. With programs like the Workload Leadership Institute and the MyGideon online library, NAPD provides training and support to public defenders, fostering collaboration and enhancing skills. The organization also emphasizes social and racial justice, addressing systemic issues within the criminal justice system, and advocating for reforms that protect the rights of marginalized groups, ultimately aiming to enhance the quality of representation for low-income clients.