The California Declaration of Counsel Re Minimum Qualifications for Appointment in Death Penalty — Related Habeas Corpus Proceedings is a document issued by the California Supreme Court in 2012. This document serves to set the minimum qualifications for attorneys appointed to represent death penalty defendants in habeas corpus proceedings. It also serves to ensure that qualified counsel are appointed, and that the appointed counsel is adequately prepared to provide effective assistance of counsel. The document states that for an attorney to be appointed in death penalty-related habeas corpus proceedings, they must have at least three years of experience practicing law in California or in criminal law, and must have at least one year of experience in the practice of criminal defense. The document further states that attorneys must possess knowledge and experience in the handling of death penalty cases, and must have demonstrated expertise in the areas relevant to the particular habeas corpus proceeding at issue. Demonstrated experience in the areas of investigation, mitigation, and the presentation of evidence are also listed as requirements. The document also outlines the types of specialized qualifications that attorneys must possess to be eligible for appointment in death penalty-related habeas corpus proceedings. These qualifications include: knowledge of the legal standards applicable to habeas corpus proceedings; familiarity with the law of the jurisdiction in which the defendant was convicted; knowledge of the rules of evidence and the use of expert witnesses; and knowledge of legal practice and procedures in the jurisdiction in which the defendant was convicted. The California Declaration of Counsel Re Minimum Qualifications for Appointment in Death Penalty — Related Habeas Corpus Proceedings thus serves to ensure that attorneys appointed to represent death penalty defendants in habeas corpus proceedings are adequately qualified and prepared to provide effective assistance of counsel.