Assembly Resolution No. 1316

BY: M. of A. Lentol

COMMEMORATING the 50th Anniversary of the New York
State Defenders Association

WHEREAS, It is incumbent upon the people of the State of New York to
recognize and acknowledge those organizations within our midst which
have made significant contributions to the quality of life therein; and

WHEREAS, From time to time this Legislative Body takes note of
certain extraordinary individuals and organizations it wishes to
recognize for their valued contributions to the success and progress of
society and publicly acknowledge their endeavors which have enhanced the
basic humanity among us all; and

WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to commemorate the
50th Anniversary of the New York State Defenders Association; and

WHEREAS, Founded on September 12, 1967, the New York State Defenders
Association (NYSDA) was among the first statewide public defense
organizations created after the United States Supreme Court's landmark
decision declaring that all people have the right to counsel regardless
of their ability to pay; and

WHEREAS, Remaining true to its mission, NYSDA has established
standards to improve the quality and scope of publicly supported legal
representation to low income people, encouraging innovations in practice
and thought, and engaging in a statewide program of community legal
education; and

WHEREAS, NYSDA, the largest criminal defense bar association in New
York State, provides access to resources for those actively engaged in
criminal and adult family court representation; and

WHEREAS, Since 1981, NYSDA has operated the Public Defense Backup
Center in Albany, New York; through the Backup Center, NYSDA offers a
number of services to more than 6,000 public defenders, conflict
defenders, legal aid society lawyers, and private attorneys accepting
court appointed cases across the State; and

WHEREAS, Furthermore, the Public Defense Backup Center provides
excellent support and fosters well-trained defense attorneys who reduce
delay, unnecessary incarceration and claims of ineffective
representation which can result in costly reversals and retrials; and

WHEREAS, NYSDA developed and supports the Public Defense Case
Management System (PDCMS) which is used by 71 public defense offices in
46 counties to efficiently manage cases and serve clients more
effectively; and

WHEREAS, NYSDA has also initiated a number of special projects to
enhance public defense representation and justice system reform; its
Veterans Defense Program strives to assist defense lawyers in
identifying and presenting evidence connected to clients' military
experience; and


WHEREAS, Defending those who defended America, the Veterans Defense
Program, established in 2014, provides a treatment-oriented mitigation
approach leading to family restoration and reintegration into society;
and

WHEREAS, Additionally, NYSDA offers pre-entry mentoring for
individuals facing incarceration, as well as Restorative Practice
training and support services; and

WHEREAS, Over its distinguished 50-year history, the New York State
Defenders Association has demonstrated continuous service to the
residents and communities which it serves; and

WHEREAS, The success of the New York State Defenders Association is
in direct correlation to the efforts of its dedicated members, whose
involvement is, and always has been, characterized by an impressive
commitment, an unbridled enthusiasm, and an uncompromising standard of
excellence in all endeavors on behalf of the organization and the
community it serves; and

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that when
organizations of such noble aims and accomplishments are brought to our
attention, they should be celebrated and recognized by all the citizens
of this great Empire State; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commemorate the 50th Anniversary of the New York State Defenders
Association; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to the New York State Defenders Association, Albany, New
York.