NCJ Number
138238
Journal
Loyola University of Los Angeles Law Review Volume: 23 Issue: 1 Dated: (November 1989) Pages: 213-220
Date Published
1989
Length
8 pages
Annotation
The American Bar Association's Postconviction Death Penalty Representation project has undertaken several efforts to address death row inmates' lack of access to counsel to seek postconviction remedies.
Abstract
Most attorneys are aware that justice in the United States is slow, uncertain, and erratic. The handling of capital cases especially violates the goal of equal justice under law. Until recently, the bar in general was unaware of the terrible inequities faced by defendants in capital cases. The reality of appointed counsel for indigent defendants at trial and on direct appeal is that these attorneys are often inadequately compensated, unaware of the complex procedure and jurisprudence in capital cases, novices in the practice of law, and unable to obtain critically needed support services such as investigators and expert witnesses. To address these problems, the American Bar Association project seeks to educate the bar and the public about the problems. It has also sought to expand the pool of volunteer attorneys and provide them with training and support. Finally, it works toward the long-range goal of creating a system in which all death row inmates receive effective representation. In cooperation with the State and Federal judiciary, public figures, and bar leaders, the American Bar Association has made surprising progress in this project. Thirteen States have established death penalty resource centers, and Federal law now mandates the appointment and compensation of counsel in Federal death penalty habeas cases. In addition, hundreds of attorneys have volunteered to provide counsel in death penalty cases. Footnotes