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Public Defense Resource Hub

Public Comments Requested on BJS’s Census of Public Defender Offices

ATJ encourages interested individuals and organizations to submit public comment on the reinstatement, with change, of BJS’s Census of Public Defender Offices (CPDO).  This collection aims to collect critical information from approximately 1,880 public defender offices across the United States on metrics such as caseloads and case types; staff sizes, roles, attrition, and salary ranges; demographics of chief public defender and staff attorneys, initial public defender appointment and contract practices; and case management system capacity.

Comments on BJS’s request, published in the Federal Register, to the Office of Management and Budget are due by November 12, 2024.

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Welcome to the Public Defense Resource Hub (PD Hub)

The PD Hub provides information on federal resources and materials that may be used in support of public defense. This PD Hub collects funding opportunities from across the federal government, court filings, relevant Justice Department news, and research for professionals providing public defense services, public defense commissions, and related organizations.

This platform will provide an array of tools and materials designed to empower public defense professionals to secure necessary resources, strengthen public defense systems, and fulfill their constitutional mandate. 

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Select Federal Funding Opportunities for Public Defense Providers

View federal funding opportunities for state, local, and Tribal public defense providers that can support their crucial role in the justice system and support the communities they serve.

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Court Filings in Support of Public Defense

The Department of Justice has filed a series of Statements of Interest and amicus briefs related to public defense issues.

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PD Hub News Links

View Justice Department foundational documents, remarks, and engagements related to public defense.

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Research & Reports

The Department of Justice has funded and authored a variety and reports relevant to public defense.