Save the Date!
The Project will hold its annual Volunteer Recognition & Awards Event on September 12, 2024, in Washington, DC. Information about nominations is now available! Visit the event page or download the nomination packet below.
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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.
Latest News
Watch Now: Debriefing Grants Pass v. Johnson
On April 22, 2024, the Supreme Court of the United States heard oral arguments in Grants Pass v. Johnson, one of the most significant and impactful Supreme Court cases on the constitutional limits on cities’ ability to criminalize homelessness. On May 7th, the Death Penalty Representation Project co-sponsored a webinar that debriefed and reviewed Grants Pass after the arguments. Legal scholars provided key takeaways from the Supreme Court session, predictions about what to expect when the Court rules this summer, and the broader implications of this case for the criminal justice system, including the death penalty. Follow the link below to access the recording on YouTube!
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ABA Journal: ABA project seeks more pro bono attorneys in wake of Supreme Court death penalty decision
Shortly after the U.S. Supreme Court issued its decision in Shinn v. Ramirez, the ABA Death Penalty Representation Project put out a call for more pro bono attorneys to help represent people on death row.
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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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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.
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.
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!
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.
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.
The Project Blog
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!
Recent Activities
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.
Contact Us
Submit this form to get in touch with Project staff.