Pleading the Sixth
We post commentary on the latest news in the nation about the right to counsel. We also share updates about our work, like when a report from an evaluation is published or groundbreaking legislation passes. Sign up to get alerted on the latest post.
Is California Ready to Steer This Ship Around?
Pleading the Sixth: On September 20, 2026, Governor Gavin Newsom signed AB 690 into law, banning flat fee contracts in death penalty and life without parole cases. A second measure, AB 2605, signed September 27, will require counties to report data on their indigent defense systems to the Office…
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August 3, 2026
A Path Forward: New 6AC Report Recommends Hybrid Model to Improve Public Defense in Monroe County, Michigan
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May 8, 2026
Colorado’s progress towards effective representation in municipal courts
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February 11, 2026
Oregon Supreme Court provides relief to unrepresented defendants
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August 21, 2025
Illinois leaves “no state oversight” list with new legislation
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August 19, 2025
Guam Gains Defender Independence in Unanimous Bipartisan Win
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June 30, 2025
Nevada removes political interference from the system
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May 13, 2025
Big Public Defense Wins in North Dakota
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May 5, 2025
Onward & Upwards: 6AC Announces New Executive Director and President
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March 25, 2025
Maine court requires relief for unrepresented defendants
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March 13, 2025
Gideon is important . . . just not for the reason you think!
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September 22, 2024
New 6AC report finds South Dakota counties are at a breaking point and need state oversight
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