News & Commentary about Public Defense Reform
Through litigation and advocacy, the ACLU’s Criminal Law Reform Project works to ensure that public defense systems throughout the country reliably live up to the promise of the Sixth Amendment so that all criminal defendants — regardless of their wealth or poverty — receive fair treatment in the criminal legal system. Failing public defense systems violate the constitutional rights of the accused, lead to unjust outcomes, and contribute to our overburdened, inhumane, and wasteful jail and prison systems.
Oct 21, 2014
The Constitution Was Written for Everyone, Not Just for People Who Make $100,000 a Year
Aug 4, 2014
Their Lives Depend on It: Every Unaccompanied Child Needs a Lawyer
Jul 25, 2014
Afraid, Lawyerless, and Warehoused: The Mothers of Artesia
Jul 11, 2014
The Kids Aren't Alright: America Fails to Protect Youth in Crisis
Jul 9, 2014
Children Shouldn’t Be Left Alone in Immigration Court
Jul 1, 2013
Victory! Michigan Turns the Corner on Public Defense Reform
Apr 22, 2013
The Constitution Applies to All Americans, No Matter What They Are Accused Of
