Advocacy. Justice.
Empowerment.

Championing Justice in Death Penalty Cases, Supporting Public Defenders for a more just California
Office of the State Public Defender white logo

Welcome

Welcome to the Office of the State Public Defender. OSPD’s mission is to advocate zealously for the underrepresented, particularly those facing capital sentences, while empowering the broader defense community to ensure effective and equitable representation for all.

What We Do

Advocating for Justice for over 45 years

For over 45 years, the Office of the State Public Defender of California has pursued justice for our clients, with a commitment to exceptional legal representation and excellence in public defense.

Appellate Division

Our Appellate Division combines commitment to client-centered representation and expertise in complex appellate cases, both capital and non-capital.

We are California Death Penalty Experts

Our Appellate Division advocates for justice on behalf of our death sentenced clients and shares our knowledge with others in this critical field. 
Learn More about California Death Penalty Experts

Reassessing California’s Death Penalty Time for a Change ​​

The OSPD White Paper "California’s Broken Death Penalty: It’s Time to Stop Tinkering with the Machinery of Death", documents the failure of California's death penalty system and concludes that it cannot be repaired. We encourage you to join us by becoming informed and engaged.
Read our White Paper

We support advocacy across 
the state

Our amicus noncapital, and systemic litigation programs involve our attorneys in cutting-edge issues, including felony murder reform, reform of gang laws, and the Racial Justice Act. 
Read our latest amicus briefs

Indigent Defense Improvement Division (IDID)

California’s public defender system is locally driven and each county has its own self-funded and self-designed system. The Indigent Defense Improvement Division serves as a statewide training and capacity building hub to support and champion the critical work that is being done by these dedicated public servants across the state. 

Training

At OSPD, we provide comprehensive training programs, equipping public defenders with the legal strategies and skills to ensure the highest standard of representation in court. 
Look at our training offerings

Research

Our dedicated research initiatives delve into the complexities of the legal system, generating insightful data and analysis that inform decision making and legal reforms statewide.
Here is a sample of our reports

Capacity Building

We provide strategic support to public defense systems across California, enhancing their ability to effectively respond to an array of systemic challenges.
Look at our studies

Learn about Public Defense in California

California has a diverse public defense practice with each county having its own unique system. OSPD strives to be a hub of knowledge and expertise on public defense practices nationally and the current systems in California. Through our collaborations, publications, and workshops, OSPD disseminates valuable insights and advances in public defense, shaping the future of legal advocacy in California and beyond.
Explore California’s Defense Landscape
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Work With Us

The Office of the State Public Defender offers rewarding career opportunities for those passionate about making a significant impact in the field of justice. Joining OSPD means becoming part of a dedicated, hardworking team committed to improving justice in California. We pride ourselves on fostering an inclusive and supportive work environment, where every member's contributions are valued, and diversity is celebrated. Join us in our mission to make a difference in the lives of Californians and in the broader legal community.