February 6, 2013

YLC Celebrates Release of National Standards for Juvenile Defenders

The National Juvenile Defender Center (NJDC) has just released the first ever set of National Juvenile Defense Standards.  The Standards represent a comprehensive understanding of the role and duties of the juvenile defender in the 21st century juvenile court system, and seek to strengthen and guide the ethical and professional performance of juvenile defense attorneys around the country.  The Standards were developed over several years, and incorporate the law, science, and professional codes of responsibility.   As the California Team Leader  in the MacArthur Foundation’s Juvenile Indigent Defense Action Network, YLC was involved in developing the standards, and Staff Attorney Sue Burrell served as an editor.