Focus AreasThe Gideon Project funds initiatives that protect the rights of individuals at all levels of the criminal justice systems. The Gideon Project's grantees move issues through research, advocacy, and direct representation. The project has three funding priorities: achieving death penalty reform or abolition, improving public defense services, and combating racial profiling.
The Gideon Project is named for the landmark U.S. Supreme Court ruling in Gideon v. Wainwright, which established that everyone charged with a felony, whether wealthy or poor, has a right to legal counsel. The Gideon Project seeks to safeguard that right and to promote fair administration of justice. However, unequal application of laws, wrongful convictions and incarcerations, and an overburdened criminal justice system frequently thwarts the ability of the poor and marginalized communities to receive justice. Such systemic flaws compromise human and constitutional rights, while also undermine the foundation of a democratic society.
