Where do we go?

Would you tell me please, which way I ought to go from here?”

“That depends a good deal on where you want to get to,” said the Cat.

“I don't much care where ----” said Alice.

“Then it doesn't matter which way you go,” said the Cat.

“---- so long as I get somewhere,” Alice added as an explanation.

“Oh, you're sure to do that,” said the Cat, “if only you walk long enough.”

“Alice in Wonderland,” Lewis Carroll

People doing death penalty work who follow legislative trends, the judicial decisions and who are attuned to the attitude of the public are frequently asking, “which way ought I to go from here”. The same question is being asked by people defending persons accused of crimes in cases not involving the penalty of death. We suggest, the answer is the same as it has always been - - back to basics. Only now, we must obtain a better understanding of representation models that offer the best opportunity for dispositional fairness, not just an opportunity for a not guilty determination.

We have examined some innovative, but well tested, ideas for use in a variety of representation models. Emphasis is placed on models designed primarily for dispositional fairness, as opposed to models designed primarily to obtain a not guilty verdict, however, the models can be multipurpose.

We suggest that you look at ways to adapt some of the examples included to your cases.

Send us some of your motions, pleadings and other materials; we will include them in material available to other lawyers if you give us permission. Better yet, send us some suggestions of how these materials may be improved.