oacdl.org

To instruct and train attorneys through lectures, seminars and publications for the purpose of developing and improving their capabilities; to promote the advancement of knowledge of the law as it relates to the protection of the rights of persons accused of criminal conduct. To defend the rights secured by law of persons accused of the commission... of a criminal offense; To educate and promote research in the field of criminal defense law and the related areas; To instruct and train attorneys through lectures, seminars and publications for the purpose of developing and improving their capabilities; to promote the advancement of knowledge of the law as it relates to the protection of the rights of persons accused of criminal conduct; To foster, maintain and encourage the integrity, independence and expertise of criminal defense lawyers through the presentation of accredited Continuing Legal Education programs; To educate the public as to the role of the criminal defense lawyer in the justice system, as it relates to the protection of the Bill of Rights and individual liberties; To provide periodic meetings for the exchange of information and research regarding the administration of criminal justice. Your profession is not what brings home your weekly paycheck. Your profession is what youre put here on earth to do, with such passion and such intensity that it becomes a calling. How can you do what you do? All criminal defense lawyers are likely asked this question repeatedly throughout their careers. Many people do not understand defense attorneys play an important role in maintaining our democracy. They instead see our role as using loopholes to keep guilty criminals from being punished. The Framers didnt see it that way. They came from England at a time when English law did not permit criminal defendants to have counsel unless a judge permitted a defendant to have a lawyer. As judges regularly refused to permit criminal defendants to have counsel, most defendants were unrepresented. The Framers reacted to this ...Read More