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    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.

    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.

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    Latest News

    Congratulations to our 2025 Award Recipients!

    The ABA Death Penalty Representation Project congratulates the recipients of its 2025 Awards! Thank you to everyone who submitted a nomination. We were honored to consider so many exceptional advocates who embody the highest ideals of the legal profession and its commitment to equal justice for all. The 2025 Volunteer Recognition & Awards Event will be held in September in Washington, DC. Visit the event page to learn about our award recipients and check back soon for event details!

    Visit - Event Page

    Guest Post: The unconscionable execution of Marcellus Williams is a call for more Black lawyers

    New on the Project Blog from guest contributor Melanie E. Bates, the execution of Marcellus Williams in Missouri highlights the need for better protections for the innocent in the criminal justice system and the importance of increasing diversity among both prosecution and defense lawyers in criminal cases.

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    Image of the U.S. Supreme Court building with an American flag

    Supreme Court “Guts” Case Law Protecting the Right to Counsel

    There is no federal constitutional right to counsel for prisoners on death row. In Shinn v. Ramirez, decided May 23rd, that constitutional void allowed an ideologically divided U.S. Supreme Court to hold that federal courts should be bound by the evidence introduced in prior state proceedings, regardless of whether the prisoner had the assistance of an effective post-conviction lawyer – or any lawyer at all.

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    ABA Litigation Section

    ABA Litigation Section
    Crowell & Moring

    Crowell & Moring
    Greenberg Traurig

    Greenberg Traurig
    Venable LLP

    Venable LLP
    Kirkland & Ellis

    Kirkland & Ellis
    Skadden

    Skadden

    Highlights

    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.

    View - Guidelines and Standards

    Capital Clemency Resource Clearinghouse

    The Project site for the public and practitioners devoted to capital clemency, as part of its joint Clemency Initiative. Visit our Initiative page to learn more!

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    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.

    Listen to - Testimonials

    Success Stories

    Thousands of volunteer attorneys have donated their time, skills, and resources to provide life-changing assistance to prisoners on death row. Every case placed with pro bono counsel is a victory for fairness and due process.

    Read - Success Stories

    The Project Blog

    Oct. 07

    Sep. 25

    Nov. 21

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    Public Interest Membership

    ABA membership has new benefits and discounted rates for Public Interest Lawyers. Benefits include access to professional networks, valuable resources, free online CLE and much more!

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    Recent Activities

    Articles

    Pro Bono Team Wins Injunctive Relief Halting Executions in Georgia Supreme Court “Guts” Case Law Protecting the Right to Counsel
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    Events

    2023 Volunteer Recognition & Awards Program New Crisis in Representation
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    Amicus Briefs

    Brief of the ABA as Amicus Curiae in Support of Petitioner Joseph Gamboa Shoop v. Twyford Amicus
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    ABA Statements

    Letter to Governor Parson re Execution of Johnny Johnson Letter to Gov. Michael Parson re Michael Tisius Clemency
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    State Clemency Memos

    Tennessee State Clemency Memo Florida State Clemency Memo
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    Learn More About Our Work

    Volunteer & Client Testimonials

    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.

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    Looking for legal help?

    If you are looking for legal assistance on a death penalty case, click here to see if you meet the Project's criteria. You can also find a list of state and national organizations that may be able to help.

    State-by-State Organizations

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    Contact Us

    Submit this form to get in touch with Project staff.

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