Missouri Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers

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2009 MACDL Awards

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Contribute to the MACDL Political Action Committee
In order for us to stay on top of legislative items against our industry, we have our own political action committee. Click here for a contribution form and send your donation today! Personal and Corporate contributions are accepted.

AMICUS CURIAE

MACDL filed an amicus brief in support of Herbert Smulls’ certiorari petition in the U.S. Supreme Court. Smulls was convicted and sentenced to death by an all white jury in St. Louis County after the prosecutor used a peremptory strike to exclude the only African American venire person. A panel of the Eighth Circuit ruled in Smulls’ favor on the Batson claim in his deferral habeas corpus case, but the Eighth Circuit in bank reversed that decision and denied relief. The MACDL amicus brief focused on the history of giving pretextual reasons for peremptory strikes of minority jurors by members of the St. Louis County prosecutor’s office. Joe Luby of the Public Interest Litigation Clinic in Kansas City authored the brief.

Amicus Request

LAWYER ASSISTANCE STRIKE FORCE

As a benefit of membership, members have the opportunity to consult with MACDL`s Strike Force if they are threatened in any way for providing legal representation to a client in a criminal proceeding and are subpoenaed to provide information, cited for contempt, being disqualified from the representation, or who become the subject of a bar complaint.

Lawyer Assistance Strike Force Guidelines

LIFETIME MEMBERS
Dan Dodson
Joseph Passanise

MACDL Awards

The Missouri Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers recognizes outstanding service and performance by dedicated criminal defense attorneys.

Some of our awards are divided into the various areas of the state. Not all awards are given each year. The award ceremony takes place at MACDL`s Annual Meeting typically held in April of each year.

We have prepared, for your convenience, a NOMINATION BALLOT to help us determine worthy recipients for each possible award. Please take the time to make a nomination for an outstanding criminal defense attorneys that you know, see and work with throughout the state.

To nominate a fellow attorney, simply complete our nomination ballot and mail, fax, or email the information to the MACDL office.

Atticus Finch Award: Named for the character in “To Kill a Mockingbird” this award is given to those who serve unflinchingly, while defending unpopular clients or taking up unpopular causes. This award is not given every year.

Benjamin N. Cardozo Award: Mr. Cardozo was historically a great trial attorney who became a trial judge and then an appellate judge. He served on the United States Supreme Court from 1932 until his death in 1938. This award is given to those who exhibit judicial courage and excellence. This award is not given every year.

Bernie Edelman Tradition Award: Named for our late brother from St. Louis. This award is given to a criminal defense attorney who unselfishly and generously takes the time and makes the effort to mentor younger attorneys. The award recipent is an attorney who graciously shares his or her experience, knowledge and skills with other attorneys in an effort to guarantee that the proud tradition of defending the citizen accused remains at the highest standards. This award will be given periodically.

Charles Shaw Trial Advocacy Award: Named for our late brother from St. Louis. This award is for those who exhibit outstanding trial skills and a passion for trying cases involving the innocent accused. There are up to three available each year.

Lew Kollias Award: In recognition and appreciation of outstanding service as a Public Defender exemplifying the spirit and dedication of the late Lew Kollias. This award is not given every year.

Robert Duncan Appellate Excellence Award: Named for our late brother form Kansas City. This award is for those who exhibit outstanding appellate skills and an unyielding desire to insure fair trial processes for the innocent accused. There are up to three available each year.

Woodward-Bernstien Award: This award is to recognize courageous and presistent news or media reporting on areas that touch our criminal justice system. This award is not given every year.