Issues
Sixth Amendment Right to Counsel
The Sixth Amendment right to counsel is at the heart of the Center's expertise. We study public defense and appointed counsel systems, and advocate for best practices in the delivery of this fundamental right.
Early-Stage Criminal Procedure
Because the earliest stages of the criminal process may be the most important determinants of case outcomes, our work focuses on initial appearance procedures and the screening and charging process.
Prosecutorial Discretion
With their discretionary power to screen and charge criminal cases, prosecutors wield extraordinary influence on the criminal legal system. Our research helps define best practices in this critical work.
Pandemic Policy Responses
Pandemic Policy volunteers from across the nation are tracking local criminal legal responses to Covid-19. The resulting pandemic policy database will help experts plan for future crises.
STAR Criminal Justice
We study the operation of small, tribal, and rural (STAR) criminal legal systems. We also support a network of STAR justice stakeholders and drive national reform conversations about STAR communities.
Building CJR Connections
With engaging programming for lawyers and lay people, the Deason Center builds the powerful partnerships and strong communities that are necessary to changing the criminal legal system.
