Criminal Law Section

Mission

The Criminal Law Section furthers the study of criminal law; seeks uniformity with respect to legislation and administration; and simplify and improve the application of justice. The Section monitors proposed criminal law procedure changes by the General Assembly and legislative issues related to Sentencing Guidelines and Truth in Sentencing proposals; studies and comments on proposed changes to the docketing rules; monitors and provides recommendations or sponsors CLE programs in the area of record preservation, non-capital sentencing and practical criminal law trial skills; and assists in ensuring adequate CLE training is available for potential appointed death penalty post conviction relief counsel.

Other projects include the continued review of the utility of uniform sentencing instruction in capital cases; updating the indigency standards for appointed counsel in death penalty cases; and continuing to advocate for increased state funding for reimbursement of private counsel in appointed cases.

Section Bylaws

Goals

• Continue to address the status of state funding for the criminal justice system and support efforts to increase state funding.
• Continue efforts to secure federal, state, and charitable student loan forgiveness for prosecutors and public defenders.
• Advocate for the use of technology in court rooms.
• Monitor the Supreme Court’s Langford Committee and Docket Management Task Force and any proposed changes, including criminal docketing, and offer such input as would be appropriate.
• Monitor the work of the Sentencing Reform Oversight Committee and offer such input as would be appropriate.
• Monitor relevant legislation and request Bar support or oppose as appropriate. Secure speakers (two prosecution, two defense) to be available to provide information or testimony as needed to the General Assembly.
• Consider a quarterly newsletter.
• Update and utilize the Section page on the website for the benefit of Section members.