Guidelines and Standards for Capital Representation
Information and standards about the appointment and performance of defense counsel in capital cases, including the 1989 and 2003 ABA Guidelines, as well as analysis of Bobby v. Van Hook.
Death Penalty Representation Project
The Death Penalty Representation Project is the Association’s expert on issues related to the defense effort in death penalty cases. Since 1986 its singular focus has been to improve the quality and availability of legal representation for persons facing possible death sentences.
Highlights
Learn from Volunteers!
Listen to recorded testimonials from several of our most experienced volunteer attorneys! Each recording addresses a different topic or question of interest to new volunteers.
Featured Event
September 20, 2018 - Volunteer Recognition & Awards Dinner
Every fall, the Project celebrates volunteer lawyers at its Volunteer Recognition & Awards Dinner. Pro bono firms are nominated by their colleagues for exceptional service to death row prisoners and honored with the Exceptional Service Award. Congratulations to our award winners and thank you to everyone who joined us for a wonderful evening celebrating all of our volunteer lawyers. Click through to see photos and video from the event!
View All - Project Events
Donate to the Project
Consider showing your support for our work by making a tax-deductible financial contribution to the Death Penalty Representation Project. Your assistance is essential to the Project’s success and to the lives of the men and women on death row.
Project News & Updates
Spring 2018 Newsletter
Read our Spring 2018 newsletter, which includes Supreme Court updates, death penalty news, upcoming Project events, and much more!
See More
New Clemency Resource Website Launched!
The Project has launched a new website for the public and practitioners devoted to capital clemency, as part of its joint Clemency Initiative. Visit our Initiative page to learn more!
2017 Year-End Report & Newsletter
Read our 2017 year-end report and newsletter, which includes a roundup of death penalty news from the past year and updates on the work of the Death Penalty Representation Project and our volunteer law firm partners.
Learn More About Our Work
ABA Death Penalty Representation Project
The Death Penalty Representation Project has worked for 30 years to improve the quality of and access to counsel for individuals facing the death penalty. This short video about our work features just a few of our pro bono lawyers and their clients.