Forty years ago, in the Gault case, the United States Supreme Court declared that all children accused of delinquent acts have the right to counsel in the proceedings against them.  Despite this clear mandate, many children appear in court without the benefit of well-resourced and well-trained legal counsel, too many with no counsel at all. 

The Gault at 40 Campaign will use 2007 to focus on ensuring excellence in juvenile defense and will devise strategies to improve children's access to competent counsel.

The goal of the Campaign is to raise awareness and draw attention to the problems children face in the juvenile indigent defense system and to ensure that all children will be treated with respect, dignity, and fairness.

"Under our Constitution, the condition of being a boy does not justify a kangaroo court."

- In re Gault, 387 U.S. 1 (1967)