What is the Strickland test?

Asked by: Jana Jerde  |  Last update: January 21, 2026
Score: 4.6/5 (28 votes)

In Strickland v. Washington , the U.S. Supreme Court establishes a two-part test for deciding whether an attorney provided “effective” or “ineffective” assistance to a criminal defendant who is found guilty. First, the quality of the attorney's actual performance must be assessed.

What does the Strickland test apply to?

In Hill v. Lockhart, the Court applied the Strickland test to attorney decisions to accept a plea bargain, holding that a defendant must show a reasonable probability that, but for counsel's errors, the defendant would not have pleaded guilty and would have insisted on going to trial. 474 U.S. 52, 59 (1985).

What is the Strickland doctrine?

The Strickland standard requires two showings from the defendant. First, the defendant must show that there was a deficiency in the attorney's performance, and second, the defendant must how that that deficiency prejudiced the defense.

What is the Strickland standard and why was it created?

Washington, 466 U.S. 668 (1984) The appropriate standard for ineffective assistance of counsel requires both that the defense attorney was objectively deficient and that there was a reasonable probability that a competent attorney would have led to a different outcome.

What are the two prongs of Strickland?

United States, 68 M.J. 1 (an appellate court considers claims of ineffective assistance of counsel under the two-prong test of Strickland; first, an appellant must show that counsel's performance was deficient; this requires showing that counsel made errors so serious that counsel was not functioning as the counsel ...

UFC 312: Du Plessis vs Strickland 2 | INSIDE LOOK

19 related questions found

What is the Strickland decision?

The Strickland Decision is the result of a court case (Strickland versus the Commissioner). In the case Zebulon Strickland, COL (ret), USA, argued that he should not be taxed on retroactive VA disability compensation. The Tax Court disagreed and he lost.

What is the 2 prong rule?

The two-pronged test maintains that a warrant cannot be issued on an informant's tip unless the officers state that the reasons that led them to believe the informant are credible or that the information is reliable on this particular occasion and unless affiants state the reasons that led them to conclude that the ...

What is the standard of prejudice in Strickland?

First, the defendant must show that counsel's performance was deficient. This requires showing that counsel made errors so serious that counsel was not functioning as the "counsel" guaranteed the defendant by the Sixth Amendment. Second, the defendant must show that the deficient performance prejudiced the defense.

What two conditions must be met to show that counsel was ineffective?

To prove ineffective assistance of counsel, a defendant must show: That their trial lawyer's conduct fell below an "objective standard of reasonableness" and, "a reasonable probability that, but for counsel's unprofessional errors,” the outcome of the criminal proceeding would have been different.

Which type of law do most lawyers practice?

The 18 Most Common Types of Law
  • Personal Injury Law. ...
  • Criminal Law. ...
  • Civil Law. ...
  • Bankruptcy Law. ...
  • Immigration Law. ...
  • Mergers & Acquisitions. ...
  • Corporate Law. ...
  • Environmental Law. Environmental law deals with legal issues surrounding environmental protection, conservation, and sustainability.

What has been the impact of the Strickland test?

Standardization of Legal Representation: The Strickland test has helped to standardize what is considered effective legal representation. It provides a benchmark against which the performance of defense attorneys can be measured.

What is the honest mistake doctrine?

What is the honest mistake rule? Technically, that's exactly what the honest mistake rule stipulates. The defendant has to admit to the offense but mention it was made as an honest and reasonable mistake.

What does lack of counsel mean?

In California, ineffective assistance of counsel is a claim asserted by a criminal defendant that their defense attorney failed to perform in a reasonably competent manner. This violates the right to effective counsel (and thus a fair trial) as guaranteed by the Sixth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution.

Can I sue my lawyer for ineffective counsel?

If you can prove that your attorney gave you ineffective assistance of counsel, it is possible to bring a legal malpractice suit against your lawyer and collect money damages.

What are the two parties in a lawsuit called?

parties - Plaintiffs and defendants (petitioners and respondents) to lawsuits, also known as appellants and appellees in appeals, and their lawyers. petit jury (or trial jury) - A group of citizens who hear the evidence presented by both sides at trial and determine the facts in dispute.

What are the two tests commonly used by a court to determine the causation element of a negligence tort?

First, the “but for” test is applied by determining if “but for” the defendant's conduct, there would or would not have been injury suffered by the plaintiff. Secondly, the substantial factor test analyzes whether the defendant's negligent conduct was a substantial factor in the plaintiff's resulting injuries.

What makes a lawyer ineffective?

To constitute ineffective counsel, a defendant's attorney's performance must have fallen below "an objective standard of reasonableness." Courts are "highly deferential," indulging a "strong presumption that counsel's conduct falls within the wide range of reasonable professional assistance." Strickland permits ...

How to win a Marsden motion?

The judge must question the defendant and usually the attorney in order to rule on the motion. A ruling cannot be based on the judge's personal confidence in the attorney, observations of the attorney's previous courtroom conduct, or ex parte communications with other participants. People v. Hill (1983) 148 Cal.

What happens if opposing counsel does not respond?

If you still do not hear back, you may need to notify the court. Be prepared to possibly provide documentation of your attempts at contact. Demonstrating your communication efforts may protect your client's interest and convey to the court that they may need to reach out to the attorney.

What two facts must be proved to show that counsel was ineffective?

Keeping in mind the goal of ensuring a fair trial, courts require a defendant claiming ineffective assistance to prove two elements:
  • That counsel's performance was deficient.
  • That the deficiency prejudiced the defendant to the point that they were denied a fair trial.

What happened in the Strickland case what was the Supreme Court decision?

Conclusions. The Supreme Court held that: (1) counsel's performance must be deficient; and (2) the deficient performance must have prejudiced the defense so as to deprive the defendant of a fair trial.

How to file a motion for ineffective counsel?

File a motion for a new trial: Your attorney will file a motion for a new trial, which will argue that your trial lawyer provided ineffective assistance of counsel. The motion will include evidence to support this claim. Attend a hearing: The court will hold a hearing to consider your motion for a new trial.

What is the second rule of holes?

The second law of holes is commonly known as: "When you stop digging, you are still in a hole."

What is the rule of law 2 points?

Rule of law is a principle under which all persons, institutions, and entities are accountable to laws that are: Publicly promulgated. Equally enforced. Independently adjudicated.

What is a prong in law?

A fork has 4 prongs. A prong would be one point in a statute or legal theory that must be proved in conjunction with other prongs.