The Federal Public & Community Defenders Legislative Committee is the advocacy and policy arm of the national association of federal and community public defender offices. It works to inform lawmakers about the practical effects of criminal justice legislation, advance effective indigent defense, protect the rights of accused persons, and secure adequate resources and independence for public defense providers.
Legislative policies to ensure adequate funding and staffing for indigent defense, preserve and expand the right to counsel, oppose policies that increase mass incarceration (including mandatory minimums and overly punitive sentencing), promote fair pretrial procedures and due process protections, and advance reforms that mitigate collateral consequences for people with criminal records.
Primarily supported by member dues and assessments from federal and community public defender offices, supplemented by grants, donations, and occasional foundation support.
Affiliated with federal public defender offices and community defender organizations nationwide and collaborates with other criminal justice reform and defense groups (state defender organizations, national defender associations, and civil liberties organizations).
Non-profit membership association / legislative committee representing public defender offices
