July 11, 2013
Steven Schneebaum was quoted in American Bar Association Now article "Death Penalty Representation Project Seeks Volunteers, Funds to Continue Fight for Justice." While the full text can be found in the July 11, 2013, issue of American Bar Association Now, a synopsis is noted below.
While the U.S. Constitution gives criminal defendants the right to counsel at trial, there is no guarantee that a lawyer will be appointed in state post-conviction proceedings. That is where the Death Penalty Representation Project (DPRP) steps in. Established in 1986, the DPRP addresses the lack of representation available to death-row inmates by recruiting law firms and attorneys to represent them.
Steven Schneebaum, chair of the DPRP, said firms that are educated about the process can overcome fears about taking on death penalty cases.
"There can be a great deal of initial resistance," Schneebaum said. However, he noted, that the experience can serve as a learning opportunity for the whole firm.
Schneebaum said that most lawyers feel they ought to give back to the community by doing pro bono work and that this is the area where the need is greatest.
"It's a tremendously rewarding area... It keeps the system more honest," he said.
"You are literally employing your skills to save someone's life," Schneebaum said.
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