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PACDL Honors Outstanding Criminal Defense Advocates at 2025 Annual Awards Ceremony
Harrisburg, PA –  April 4, 2025 --The Pennsylvania Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers (PACDL) proudly recognized the exceptional contributions of its members at the 2025 Annual Awards Ceremony held on April 4, 2025. This year’s honorees have demonstrated unwavering dedication, leadership, and advocacy in the pursuit of justice.  [To read the press statement click here.]

PACDL Expresses Concern Regarding Governmental Actions Undermining the Rule of Law and Judicial Independence

Harrisburg, PA – April 4, 2025 – The Pennsylvania Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers (PACDL), acting through its Board of Directors, issues the following statement in response to recent actions by the federal government that threaten fundamental principles of the rule of law and the independence of our courts.  This statement reflects PACDL’s longstanding commitment to defending constitutional rights and upholding the integrity of the justice system.
Judicial independence is a cornerstone of American democracy. When those in power attempt to undermine the courts or disregard the rule of law, they not only threaten the rights of the accused, but also jeopardize the foundation of justice.

Courts must be able to fairly and impartially interpret and apply the law without external pressure. Judicial independence ensures that cases are decided on facts and law – not politics. Any attempt to politicize or manipulate the judiciary undermines this critical safeguard, creating a dangerous precedent that compromises the fair administration of justice and weakens public confidence in our courts.

PACDL urges leaders at every level of government to uphold the rule of law and protect the independence of the courts. Without these fundamental principles, the rights of all citizens —especially those accused of crimes and the attorneys who represent them—are at risk. The legal profession, and indeed the public at large, must remain vigilant in defending the integrity of our courts. Justice must remain blind, fair, and impartial.


PACDL President Issues Statement on 62nd Anniversary of Gideon

Harrisburg, PA – March 17, 2025 – PACDL President Brian McMonagle issues the following statement in honor of the 62nd Anniversary of Gideon v. Wainwright.

“Sixty-two years ago, the U.S. Supreme Court’s landmark decision in Gideon v. Wainwright reaffirmed a fundamental principle of justice, enshrined in the Sixth Amendment, that no person should face the power of the state without legal representation simply because they cannot afford it. But while Gideon is often recognized as the case that established this principle, Pennsylvania recognized this right long before the passage of the Bill of Rights. As early as 1718, Pennsylvania law required the appointment of “learned counsel” for those accused of capital offenses." [Click here for the full statement.]


PACDL Issues Statement Opposing Government Retaliation

Harrisburg, PA -- PACDL President Brian McMonagle issued a statement in response to a recent federal government executive order issued March 6, 2025, titled “Addressing Risks from Perkins Coie LLP.” This statement reflects PACDL’s longstanding commitment to defending the independence of the legal profession and opposing any governmental retaliation against attorneys for representing clients in legal matters.  [To read the full statement, click here.]