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    1989 Guidelines

    Below are descriptions and links to the ABA Guidelines for the Appointment and Performance of Counsel in Death Penalty Cases, formally approved by the ABA House of Delegates in February 1989.

    Note: These pages include blackletter guidelines only. If you wish to view the full Guidelines with commentary, use the link below.

    You can also visit our ABA Guidelines Page to learn more about the history, use, and implementation of the Guidelines.

    ↪ View full Guidelines (pdf)

    2003 Guidelines
    Guideline Number  &  Description

    (Click on guideline number to view)
    1.1  Objective
    2.1  Number of Attorneys Per Case
    3.1  The Legal Representation Plan
    4.1  Selection of Counsel
    5.1  Attorney Eligibility
    6.1  Workload
    7.1  Monitoring and Removal
    8.1  Supporting Services
    9.1  Training
    10.1  Compensation
    11.1  Establishment of Performance Standards
    11.2  Minimum Standards Not Sufficient
    11.3  Determining that Death Penalty is Being Sought
    11.4.1  Investigation
    11.4.2  Client Contact
    11.5.1  The Decision to File Pretrial Motions
    11.6.1  The Plea Negotiation Process
    11.6.2  The Contents of Plea Negotiations
    11.6.3  The Decision to Enter a Plea of Guilty
    11.6.4  Entry of the Plea Before the Court
    11.7.1  General Trial Preparation
    11.7.2  Voir Dire and Jury Selection
    11.7.3  Objection to Error and Preservation of Issues for Post Judgment Review
    11.8.1  Obligation of Counsel at the Sentencing Phase of Death Penalty Cases
    11.8.2  Duties of Counsel Regarding Sentencing Options. Consequences and Procedures.
    11.8.3  Preparation for the Sentencing Phase
    11.8.4  The Official Presentence Report
    11.8.5  The Prosecutor's Case at the Sentencing Phase
    11.8.6  The Defense Case at the Sentencing Phase
    11.9.1  Duties of Trial Counsel in Post Judgment Proceedings
    11.9.2  Duties of Appellate Counsel
    11.9.3  Duties of Postconviction Counsel
    11.9.4  Duties of Clemency Counsel
    11.9.5  Duties Common to All Post Judgment Counsel