Amicus is a small charity that helps provide representation for those facing the death penalty in the United States.
We believe the death penalty is disproportionately imposed on the most vulnerable in society, violating their right to due process and equal justice before the law. Our aims are to provide better access to justice and to raise awareness of potential abuses of defendants' rights.
We are not a campaigning organisation. We believe we can make the greatest difference through frontline work outlined below. We rely on private donations, memberships, corporate affiliations, grants and fundraising events to fund Amicus; everyone at Amicus is involved in fundraising to some extent.
Amicus Internship Programme:
Since 1992, Amicus has sent over 300 interns to the US. Currently, the charity places 20-30 interns each year in 17 different affiliate offices across 11 key states (including Florida, Texas and Georgia). As capital defenders face severe funding constraints, Amicus interns carry out vital work that quite simply would not be done without them.
Amicus Casework Programme:
The Amicus casework programme provides remote support for capital defenders in the US. Most of our current teams come from law firms or barristers’ chambers in the UK. Working with legal professionals enables us to guarantee the confidentiality of our case materials as well as maintain the highest standards of quality and consistency. We have up to 200 volunteer caseworkers working on up to eight different cases, including Supreme Court, federal and state level cases, at any given time. Firms we work with include; BakerMcKenzie, Linklaters, Milbank, Jones Day, ReedSmith, PinsentMasons, Kingsley Napley, Ashurst and Michelmores.
Amicus US Death Penalty Training:
Amicus runs a comprehensive bi-annual training programme in US capital defence law and procedure, legal research, evidence and professional conduct. It is attended by approximately 400 participants each year and held in London.
The training is compulsory for any Amicus intern intending to go to the US, equipping them to be of maximum use to an office immediately on arrival; all applicants must have completed the course within the three years prior to applying. The training is also available to UK-based volunteer case workers, to future US interns not affiliated with Amicus and to anyone interested in human rights and/or the use of capital punishment in the US.
The training programme is accredited by 21 Continuing Professional Development (CPD) points/hours with the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) and the Bar Standards Board (BSB).
Amicus Journal:
The Amicus Journal is the leading reporter on the significant issues affecting capital punishment worldwide. It provides a forum for dialogue on issues concerning the death penalty and related topics. The journal includes articles written by academics and practitioners on current legal issues and on the death penalty, news from around the world, and reportage from Amicus interns in the US.
Amicus Fundraising:
We generally hold a major and several smaller fundraising events, which also serve to highlight issues associated with the capital system. We also encourage and support 30+ student groups in UK universities/law schools affiliated to Amicus who run fundraising and educational events through their university. More recently we are encouraging challenge event fundraising via student groups and affiliate law firms.