Legislation & Testimony
Community-Oriented Defender Network

Community Oriented Defender (COD) Statement of Principles

Developed by the Brennan Center in consultation with members of the COD advisory group, this COD Statement of Principles identifies the goals of participants in the COD Network.  We hope it will serve as a useful tool to inspire staff, educate the public, and build the capacity of the COD movement to make a difference for clients, families and communities.   

– 02/04/10

Testimony on Community Oriented Defenders in Maryland

This testimony is to provide a national perspective on the community oriented defense movement; also why the state should applaud the Office of the Maryland Public Defender’s commitment to the provision of high quality defender services, through its creation of Neighborhood Defenders Northwest.

Authored by: Melanca Clark
– 10/27/09

Testimony in Support of Massachusetts Racial Profiling Legislation

Testimony before the General Court of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts in support of state legislation aimed at improving collection and analysis of data on racial profiling.

Authored by: Melanca Clark
– 10/27/09