Community-Oriented Defender Network
The Community-Oriented Defender (COD) Network was created in 2003 to mark the 40th anniversary of Gideon v. Wainwright, the landmark Supreme Court case that is the foundation of an indigent defendant’s right to counsel. The COD Network has grown from eight members to a coalition of more than 100 public defender offices and related service providers. We are united in our belief that representation of people charged with crimes is more effective when it is “holistic” and when defenders have a deep engagement with clients and their communities.
As our country has forced the criminal justice system to take on an ever-widening array of responsibilities, defenders must grow past their traditional limits. With nearly one in four Americans having a criminal record of conviction, and the United States leading the world in both per capita and absolute numbers of incarcerated people, innovative responses to criminal justice system issues are of critical importance to our entire society. Because they have a unique vantage point from which to witness how policy choices play out in residents' lives, community-oriented defenders can also perform an essential function by educating the media and the public about what the government's role should be with respect to the criminal justice system.
To meet these challenges, community-oriented defenders seek to expand their individual skill sets, to collaborate with community members, community-based organizations, schools, health care providers, and a broad range of other institutional players to assist clients achieve the best outcomes possible.
The Community-Oriented Defender Network helps participating defenders engage in training to expand services, and engage with legislators, policy-makers and media in pursuit of policy reform in their communities, particularly in the area of racial justice. Among its activities, the Brennan Center partners with defender programs to research racial disparities in police and prosecution practices, works with defender programs to achieve racial justice reform, promotes best practices that constitute the Community-Oriented Defense model, and holds a yearly convening of participating defenders.
Duncan et al. v. State of Michigan (Amicus Brief)
The Brennan Center, along with the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, the NAACP Legal Defense & Educational Fund, and the Constitution Project, filed an amicus brief in a case before the Michigan Supreme Court case that seeks to address the constitutional insufficiency of the state's indigent defense system.
Hurrell-Harring, et al. v. State of New York (Amicus Brief)
The Brennan Center co-authored an amicus brief signed by 62 former prosecutors in support of a suit that challenges New York's indigent defense system.
Montejo v. Louisiana (Amicus Brief)
This case tests the ambit of the protection afforded by the Sixth Amendment of right to counsel.
Reality and the Right to Counsel in Maryland
The right to court-appointed counsel is now common knowledge, but the devil is in the details.
A Big Week for Improving Public Defense in the States
Three victories in court this week, and each represent important steps forward in ongoing national efforts to strengthen the role of the courts, secure the right to counsel, and hold government accountable to the rule of law. Read more…
Michigan Victory on Right to Counsel Shifts Spotlight Back to New York
A lawsuit challenging Michigan’s inadequate defense services for the poor received an important victory on Friday, when the Michigan Supreme Court ruled that the suit could go forward. New York could take a cue from Michigan; a similar lawsuit is pending in the NY courts.
Illustrations by Risko
Prosecutorial Guidelines Offer DOJ Blueprint for Reform
The Brennan Center for Justice re-releases newly-relevant prosecutorial Guidelines to reduce racial disparities in the criminal justice system. If adopted, the Guidelines would promote equal justice and improve public safety and confidence in law enforcement.
Morgenthau Leads 62 Former Prosecutors in Call for Better Defense of the Indigent
62 former New York prosecutors joined an amicus brief in support of a suit, now pending before New York’s highest court, which alleges that New York State’s legal services for the poor are constitutionally inadequate.
Coalition Releases Criminal Justice Policy Roadmap
More than 20 organizations, including the Brennan Center for Justice, and individuals is pleased to announce the publication of a catalogue of key criminal justice issues and policy recommendations for the next administration and congress.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Community Oriented Defender Network | Winter 2010 Update
Update from the Community Oriented Defender Network on recent and upcoming activities.