NAPD Public Resources

The National Association for Public Defense has issued a Call to Action emphasizing the urgent need for bar leaders, judges, and prosecutors to support the independence of public defense systems. It highlights the detrimental effects of excessive workloads and underfunding on public defenders' ability to provide constitutional representation, advocating for the establishment of nonpartisan Public Defense Governing Boards to ensure oversight free from judicial or prosecutorial interference. The document illustrates the necessity of structural independence through examples of public defenders facing termination for client advocacy, underscoring the importance of protecting due process rights.

The text further explores the challenges public defenders encounter in maintaining their independence, detailing instances such as the removal of Atlanta Chief Defender Rosalie Joy for opposing unjust practices. It discusses the varying degrees of independence across states and the essential features of governing boards, including oversight and diverse appointments. By presenting examples from different jurisdictions, the text advocates for adherence to national standards to enhance public defense quality, emphasizing that independent public defenders are crucial for effectively advocating for clients' interests.