Strickland v. Washington: Understanding Ineffective Assistance

Strickland v. Washington, 466 U.S. 668 (1984)

Supreme Court of the United States · Sixth Amendment / counsel

The two-part test

A defendant ordinarily must show both deficient performance and prejudice. Performance is assessed against an objective standard of reasonableness, with strong deference to counsel’s professional judgment. Prejudice generally requires a reasonable probability that, without counsel’s errors, the outcome would have differed—a probability sufficient to undermine confidence in the result.

Why it matters

Losing a case does not itself prove ineffective assistance. Identify the specific act or omission, the record supporting it, and its effect on the proceeding. Courts consider the circumstances facing counsel at the time rather than judging solely with hindsight.

Research checklist

Locate transcripts, counsel’s investigation records where available, omitted evidence, and the applicable procedural vehicle. Explain both parts of the test separately. Special rules may apply to particular claims, and federal habeas review can add substantial limits.

Read the opinion

https://www.law.cornell.edu/supremecourt/text/466/668

Educational information, not legal advice. Verify current authority and filing requirements with qualified counsel.