National Public Defense Workloads Standards

The National Public Defense Workload Study Report
is now available.

The full report was published on September 12, 2023.

The National Public Defense Workload Study is the culmination of comprehensive review and analysis contained in 17 previously released state-level studies, many of which were conducted by the ABA. For the first time, we have a comprehensive national workload study based on empirical data and the consensus of indigent defense experts, and which reflects the standards of modern criminal defense practice. This study demonstrates the widespread problem of excessive defender caseloads, and can be used to assist public defense agencies, policymakers, and other stakeholders in evaluating defender workloads.

The National Public Defense Workload Study and the ABA's Revised Workload Principle Webinar Video: October 25, 2023

Other Resources: 

• Public Defenders Are 'Dangerously' Overworked, Report Finds
• Public defenders work 3 times too many cases, milestone study and new data show
• Updated Public Defense Workload Study Calls for Reduction in Overburdened Caseloads
• ACLU Responds to National Public Defense Workload Study
• NLADA, BPDA, and ACCD Joint Statement on the New National Public Defense Workload Study
• In 'watershed moment,' report recommends new guidelines for public defender caseloads
• Public defender caseload standards from 1970s due for overhaul, study says
• Public Defender Schedules Are So Swamped It Probably Isn't Constitutional
• Longtime Nebraska public defense attorney says updated standards make sense
• Report: Public defenders in Oklahoma work nearly 4 times too many cases
• Our public defender system is at the breaking point

Delphi Panel Preparatory Materials for Reference:

• Standards Summary
• Videoconference 1 (Standards) – Presentation
• Videoconference 1 (Standards) – Webinar
• Overview of Public Defense Workload Studies
• Videoconference 2 (Past Studies) – Presentation
• Videoconference 2 (Past Studies) – Webinar
• NPDWS Study Instructions and Initial Response Chart