This special committee was established to better inform the bar and the public about the lack of representation available to death row inmates; to address this urgent need by recruiting competent volunteer lawyers and working toward reform of capital defender systems; and offering training and support to volunteer lawyers and the capital defender community. The project promotes systemic changes that will guarantee that all those facing the death penalty are represented at every stage of the proceedings from trial through clemency by qualified adequately compensated counsel. The project does not take a position on the death penalty itself; rather