Ten Core Principles For Providing Quality Delinquency Representation Through Public Defense Delivery Systems

The Ten Core Principles for Providing Quality Delinquency Representation through Public Defense Delivery Systems provide criteria by which a public defense delivery system may fully implement the holding of In re Gault. These Principles offer guidance to public defense leaders and policymakers regarding the role of public defenders, contract attorneys, or assigned counsel in delivering zealous, comprehensive and quality legal representation on behalf of children facing both delinquency and criminal proceedings. In applying these Principles, advocates should always be guided by defense counsel’s primary responsibility to zealously defend clients against the charges leveled against them and to protect their due process rights.