Our Mission – Example Page
Defending Justice, Transforming Lives
The National Association of Public Defenders unites 30,000+ advocates committed to ensuring every person has access to quality legal representation.
Advancing Justice Through Collective Action
The National Association for Public Defense (NAPD) engages all public defense professionals into a clear and focused voice to address the systemic failure to provide the constitutional right to counsel, and to collaborate with diverse partners for solutions that bring meaningful access to justice for poor people.
In 2013, fifty years after the United States Supreme Court recognized the right to counsel as “fundamental and necessary,” NAPD formed an inclusive association of public defense practitioners to address the tragedy of the unfulfilled promise of fairness in America’s criminal courts. Through affordable dues, relevant benefits and accessible real-life expertise, NAPD unites 25,000+ practitioner-members across the country into a cohesive and irrepressible community capable of bringing justice to a broken system.
Guiding Principles of Public Defense
These 15 principles define our commitment to justice and guide our advocacy for meaningful
reform in the criminal justice system.
- Competent and Effective Public Defense Lawyers Must Be Provided for the Fair Administration of Justice
- Public Defense Must Be Independent of Judicial and Political Control
- The Public Defense Function Must Be Administered and Overseen Statewide
- The Expense of the Criminal Justice System Is a Government Obligation That Must Not Be Imposed on Defendants
- Workloads of Defense Attorneys Must Always Be Reasonable
- Training and Continuing Education Are Essential for Providing Competent and Effective Defense Representation
- Appropriate Supervision of All Public Defense Lawyers and Other Public Defense Professionals Is Essential
- Public Defense Representation Should Be Client Centered and Holistic
- The Duty of Public Defense Lawyers Is to Provide Clients Quality Legal Representation Consistent with Rules of Professional Conduct and Prevailing Professional Norms
- Public Defense Providers Must Seek to Change the Pervasive Cultural Prejudice that Stigmatizes and Marginalizes Poor People
- Competent and Effective Defense Representation Is Necessary to Eliminate Mass Incarceration
- Public Defense Providers Must Address Disparate Treatment of Racial and Ethnic Minorities in the Justice Systems
- The Use of Punitive Measures Against Persons Who Have Mental Disorders or Other Types of Cognitive Impairments Must End
- Public Defense Lawyers and Public Defense Professionals Are Essential Participants in Achieving Justice Reforms
- Unity and Collaboration of Public Defenders and Public Defense Professionals Are Essential in Achieving Defense Reforms
The Voice of Public Defense
Our members represent the backbone of public defense across America. From seasoned chief public defenders to passionate new attorneys, we bring together diverse voices committed to a singular purpose: ensuring justice for all.
Every day, our members stand in courtrooms across the nation, defending the constitutional rights of those who cannot afford private counsel. Together, we share knowledge, develop best practices, and advocate for systemic
change.
30,000
Members Nationwide
50
States, D.C., and U.S. Territories
500
Defender Offices
60+
Years of Impact
Our Work
Championing Systemic Reform
NAPD leads the charge for meaningful reform in the criminal justice system. Through policy advocacy, research, and collaborative initiatives, we work to address systemic inequities and improve outcomes for our clients.
From challenging excessive caseloads to advocating for fair
sentencing practices, our work extends beyond individual cases to create lasting change for communities across the nation.
Policy Advocacy
Shaping legislation and policy to strengthen public defense systems nationwide.
Training & Education
Providing world-class professional development for defenders at every stage.
Research & Resources
Developing data-driven insights and practical tools for effective representation.
Community Building
Connecting defenders to share knowledge, support, and best practices.
Shape the Future of Public Defense
Join one of our active committees and workgroups to collaborate with peers from across the nation on issues that matter most to public defenders.
Sentencing Reform
Advocate for fair sentencing policies and reform initiatives nationwide.
Indigent Defense Standards
Develop and promote best practices for quality public defense.
Diversity & Inclusion
Foster equity and representation within the public defense community.
Technology & Innovation
Explore emerging tools and technologies to enhance legal practice.
Juvenile Justice
Protect the rights and futures of youth in the justice system.
Mental Health Defense
Address the unique needs of clients with mental health challenges.
Guided by Experience
Our leadership team brings decades of public defense experience, guiding NAPD’s
mission to transform advocacy and support defenders nationwide.
Committed to Accountability
We believe in transparency and accountability to our members and the communities we serve. Our annual reports detail our programs, impact, and financial stewardship.
Stand With Us For Justice
Join thousands of public defenders working to transform the criminal justice system and ensure equal access to quality representation for all.