"That in all criminal prosecutions, the accused has the right to be heard by himself and his counsel."
 

 Article I, Section 9 of the Tennessee Constitution

---

Origins of Lady Justice

. . . she carries a sword and scales. She symbolizes the fair and equal administration of the law, without corruption, avarice, prejudice, or favor.

---

Our Mission

---

The Tennessee Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers (TACDL) provides education, training and support to lawyers representing citizens accused of crime. TACDL also advocates fair and effective criminal justice in the courts, the legislature, and wherever justice demands.

 

Purpose

---

• To protect and insure by rule of law those individual rights guaranteed by the United States and Tennessee Constitutions in criminal cases;

• To resist any efforts to curtail the rights guaranteed to citizens;

• To provide for the constant exchange of information among its members on all matters pertaining to the defense of criminal cases, educational programs, membership meetings, special committees, publications, articles and otherwise;

• To apprise its members or propose changes in legislation pertaining to the defense of all criminal cases on the State and Federal level;

• To lend assistance to members of the TACDL and to others who are in need of assistance on issues relating to the representation of the accused, by all legal means;

• To promote justice and to promote the common good.