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About Us
Justice Without
Borders is an international initiative started in 1998 by the Wisconsin State
Public Defender's Office. It seeks to make a difference in the world by
creating, strengthening, and/or advancing indigent defense systems to help
ensure that an advocate stands beside any accused individual who could be deprived of life or liberty.
Vision Statement
Respecting the
value of each person Justice Without Borders seeks a world where all justice
systems ensure fundamental human rights.
Mission Statement
The mission of
Justice Without Borders is to promote, through the exchange of information, ideas
and expertise, meaningful legal representation of each individual throughout
the world who faces deprivation of life or liberty.
To Contact Justice
Without Borders
Justice Without
Borders
P.O. Box 2400
Madison, Wisconsin 53701-2400
USA
http://www.justicewithoutborders.org
Background
One of the true
tests of an effective, fair-minded and compassionate government is the manner
in which it treats those of its people in greatest need. Hence, a hallmark of
an effective, fair-minded and compassionate criminal justice system is
providing legal representation for those who stand accused of a crime but
cannot afford an attorney to advocate on their behalf.
In the United States, the principle of legal representation
to the poor was articulated in the landmark decision of Gideon v. Wainwright,
decided by the United States Supreme Court more than thirty years ago. To
this day, it remains the foundation for public defender systems throughout
the United States. Unfortunately, not all countries
ensure that the rights of the accused include the right to effective
representation by counsel, regardless of ability to pay. It is axiomatic that
providing justice to the disenfranchised in society protects the welfare, liberty
and justice of all.
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