The CAC has also been active in advocating for urgently-needed support for public defenders. In March, the CAC delivered another letter to Congress, this one supporting the passage of the EQUAL Defense Act. This would establish a new program that would, for the first time, provide federal funds to pay for counsel in state and local-level criminal cases. The CAC then held a well-attended online briefing to educate congressional staff and other national justice system stakeholders about the legislation, the right to counsel, and the business case for strong public defense.
NLADA also provides CAC members with opportunities to engage in advocacy in their own states, such as supporting a statewide effort earlier this year seeking the creation of an Office for Access to Justice within the California state government. NLADA will continue to provide federal and state-level advocacy opportunities for CAC throughout 2023.
