Analysis & Commentary
Community-Oriented Defender Network
Community Oriented Defender Network | Spring 2010 Update
The COD Network is taking strides to address racial disparities in the criminal justice system and expand the Network’s reach. Read about our latest efforts to improve justice for indigent defendants and new opportunities for collaboration.
– 04/23/10
Community Oriented Defender Network | Winter 2010 Update
Update from the Community Oriented Defender Network on recent and upcoming activities.
– 02/05/10
Attorney General Eric Holder on Indigent Defense Reform
The Hon. Eric H. Holder was the recipient of a Brennan Legacy Award on Nov. 16, 2009; his speech, transcribed here, focuses on the necessity of reforms for indigent defense, and the current state of our public defender networks in the United States.
Authored by: Eric H. Holder
– 11/17/09
Community Oriented Defender (COD) Network Conference | 2009
Overview and materials from 2009 annual Community Oriented Defender Network conference.
– July 23 & 24, 2009
Attorney General Eric Holder Speaks Out on the Need to Address the Crisis in Indigent Defense
In several speeches in recent months, Attorney General Eric Holder has emphasized the need to reform the indigent defense system if the country is to uphold its promise of “equal justice for all.”
– 07/17/09
How Defenders Can Secure Racial Justice Policy Reform
Working through the Community Oriented Defender movement.
Authored by: Melanca D. Clark
– 03/01/09
2008 COD/ACCD Conference | Public Defense: Leading the Way to Racial Justice
In 2008 Community Oriented Defender Network (“COD”) and the American Council of Chief Defenders (“ACCD”) convened this conference. Over 50 individuals from over 20 public defender offices came to New York City to attend the two-day training book-ended by a one day COD planning meeting and a one day ACCD business meeting.
– 07/31/08
Staff Member Ties to the Community Survey
The purpose of this survey is to learn more about staff ties to local community groups and issues. Your responses will help your defender agency identify existing community ties, and how to build on them to provide even better services to clients.
Authored by: Brennan Center
Out of the Courtroom and into the Neighborhood
Public defenders embrace community defenders. They have begun to embrace more community-orientated forms of advocacy that push a defender’s skill beyond the courtroom and the individual case.
Authored by: Kirsten D. Levingston
– 10/01/07