NAPD Public Resources

The report titled 'Survey of Publicly Appointed Defense Attorneys: Design Study' outlines the development and cognitive testing of a survey instrument aimed at understanding the experiences and challenges faced by publicly appointed defense attorneys. Funded by the Bureau of Justice Statistics, the initiative seeks to address gaps in existing research regarding the demographics, working conditions, and case types handled by these attorneys, ultimately aiming to improve public defense services through informed data collection efforts.

The survey, known as SPADA, includes a comprehensive set of questions regarding attorney experiences, case management, and client interactions. It emphasizes the importance of clarity in survey design and the need for inclusivity in capturing diverse attorney experiences. The findings and recommendations from this design study are intended to inform future research and policy discussions in the field of public defense, ensuring that the voices of defense attorneys are heard and considered in improving the legal representation of indigent defendants.