NAPD Public Resources

On April 23, 2026, the National Association for Public Defense (NAPD) expressed deep concern regarding the federal indictment of the Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC) by the Department of Justice. The SPLC has denied the allegations and is committed to defending itself, with NAPD supporting its right to due process. The indictment is viewed with grave concern, particularly in light of the current administration's hostility towards the SPLC's civil rights work, raising alarms about the implications for the rule of law in America. The SPLC has a long-standing legacy of advocating for justice, including litigation against hate groups and support for marginalized communities. NAPD emphasizes that an indictment is merely an accusation and trusts the SPLC to address these charges in court. They call for the Department of Justice to conduct the prosecution transparently and without political influence, affirming their solidarity with those who protect community rights against unjust attacks.