The ACDL's History and Mission
![]() The
Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers of New Jersey (ACDL-NJ) was established in
1985 and has since become the primary organized voice for the criminal defense
bar in New Jersey. The ACDL-NJ was formed, among other reasons, to respond to the continuing problems confronting
criminal defense lawyers when they honestly, ethically, but zealously represent
their clients; to protect and insure compliance with those individual rights guaranteed
by the New Jersey and United States Constitutions; and to encourage cooperation among
criminal defense lawyers engaged in the furtherance of those objectives. The
criminal defense lawyer has a difficult job, which is poorly understood by the
public and, on occasion, even by the courts. The ACDL-NJ's message to criminal
defense lawyers has always been, and will continue to be: in your efforts to
insure the basic rights and liberties of all people, you are not alone.
![]() - Aidan P. O'Connor, ACDL-NJ President |