On Monday, April 14, the Juvenile Justice Clinic hosted a panel discussion and reception to honor the 40th Anniversary of the Supreme Court’s decision in In re Gault and to reinforce the importance of the right to counsel for juveniles accused of crime and delinquency.  The panel, composed of judges from D.C. Superior Court and local defense attorneys, focused on the role of counsel for accused juveniles, emphasizing the similarity between counsel’s Constitutional and ethical obligations towards adult and juvenile defendants.  The panel also discussed the obstacles to zealous and effective advocacy for indigent defendants. 

Patti Puritz, the Executive Director of the National Juvenile Defender Center, discussed the implementation of the Gault decision in other parts of the country.  Gerald Gault himself was a guest of the Clinic and offered his perspective on his case and the rights of children.    

To view the event, please click here. 

Revised April 16, 2008 (MA)