Wake Forest Law to Host Discussion on the Right to Counsel in Criminal Cases

On Wednesday, February 22, 2006, Professors Paul Marcus of William and Mary and Mary Sue Backus of Oklahoma will discuss the evidence uncovered throughout the United States by the National Committee on Right to Counsel.  The event will take place at the Wake Forest Law School in Courtroom 1312, at 12:00 noon.

Two years ago, on the 40th Anniversary of Gideon v. Wainwright, the Constitution Project and the National Legal Aid & Defender Association formed a partnership -- funded by several organizations -- to consider the way in which the 6th Amendment Right to Counsel actually functions in criminal cases throughout the United States.  They created the National Committee on the Right to Counsel.

Specifically, the Committee's mission was (1) to examine, across the country, whether people who are charged with a crime, and cannot afford to hire a lawyer, receive competent legal representation and (2) to create consensus recommendations for any necessary reforms.

The two Reporters from the Committee, Professors Backus and Marcus will discuss the findings of the Committee and the Committee's draft of recommendations for change.

This program is open to the general public.