Category Archives: Defender Programs

“Gideon Voucher” Experiment Offers Client Choice

Posted on January 5, 2014 by richardzorza

Adam Liptak has a fascinating piece in today’s New York Times that includes discussion of an experimental “Gideon Voucher” system to be tried in Comal County, Tex with funding from the Texas Indigent Defense Commission. The article contrasts it to … Continue reading →

Posted in Defender Programs, Funding, Mixed Model, Public Defender, Systematic Change | 1 Comment

National Coalition on Civil Right to Counsel Listing of Gideon Events

Posted on March 19, 2013 by richardzorza

The National Counsel on Civil Right to Counsel has put up a nice website on the events organized around the Gideon anniversary. Upcoming events include those in San Fransciso, DC, Durham NC, and Boston (Harvard – I will be speaking). … Continue reading →

Posted in Access to Counsel, Criminal Law, Defender Programs | Comments Off on National Coalition on Civil Right to Counsel Listing of Gideon Events

Thoughts After the Gideon Fifty Year Anniversay Gathering at DOJ

Posted on March 16, 2013 by richardzorza

I was privileged to be invited to be at the gathering yesterday at the Dept of Justice to mark the 50th anniversay of Gideon v. Wainright.  The gathering was organized by the Access to Justice Initiative of DOJ.  Among those … Continue reading →

Posted in Access to Justice Generally, Criminal Law, Defender Programs, Dept. of Justice, Supreme Court | Comments Off on Thoughts After the Gideon Fifty Year Anniversay Gathering at DOJ

Impact on Funding of Planning Participation

Posted on July 2, 2012 by richardzorza

I recently blogged about changes in the Byrne Grant Program, and the potential from changes in the strategic planning language. Now, here’s some evidence that participation in the strategic planning process might impact funding outcomes. As the GAO reports on … Continue reading →

Posted in Court Management, Defender Programs, Funding | Comments Off on Impact on Funding of Planning Participation

Changes in Byrne Grant Program Create New Openings for Defenders and Courts

Posted on June 29, 2012 by richardzorza

The 2012 solicitation time for Byrne Grants is over (link here.) But I think it is important to highlight some very significant changes, which, given the inertia built into government systems, are likely to stay in place, and to provide … Continue reading →

Posted in Court Management, Defender Programs, Dept. of Justice, Funding | 2 Comments