Here is the public defense news for Oct 8-14 2020:
In Memoriam:
Donald McKee, long time Chief Public Defender, Indiana County, PA
Report:
R2C: Stakeholder Engagement Report
National:
The Constitution is on Pause in America’s courtrooms
Opinion: Policymakers, time to end juvenile life sentencing
Jonathan Rapping looks to fulfill “Gideon’s Promise”
Missouri:
Maine:
Maine hires lawyers with criminal records to defend poor residents. The Governor wants reform.
She was afraid of her lawyer. Then the text messages started.
Lawyers with criminal backgrounds and disciplinary records represent poor defendants in Maine
Florida:
In Florida, the gutting of a landmark law leaves few felons likely to vote
Florida ruled felons must pay to vote. Now, it doesn’t know how many can.
North Carolina:
Court said felons who only owe fees can vote in NC, but making it happen involves obstacles
California:
Inconsistent California court livestreaming – a public access crisis
Mental health court gives public defenders a tool for treatment (Butte County)
Pros and cons of proposition 25 – bail and problematic consequences for California’s defendants
New York:
A broken bond; How New York judges are getting around bail reform
Public defender pick Ruth Boyer tells committee she’s ‘perfect fit’ for position (Ulster)
Oversight committee approves chief Ulster County public defender
Giants team with the Bronx Defenders to highlight legal representation for low-income people
Summer program helped bolster local indigent defense
New Jersey:
Jury selection via zoom is so thorny, a New Jersey court lawyered up – and beat a challenge
New Jersey’s first socially distanced jury trial will move forward in Bergen County
Pennsylvania:
Opinion: It’s time to reexamine Lehigh County’s criminal justice spending
Michigan:
St. Clair County indigent defense budget increases by more than $300K for 2021
Commissioners bring state public defender staffing request forward (Branch County)
Massachusetts:
Public defender agency wants regular prison testing
Mass. public defenders call for more COVID testing in correctional facilities after recent outbreaks
Oklahoma:
McDugle to hold study on death penalty procedures
Nevada:
State suspends practice of taking money from inmates who owe restitution
Arizona:
Superior Court judge reprimanded after prosecutor, public defender file complaint
Texas:
Two Harris County district judges face favoritism allegations in defense appointments
Bexar County jail overcrowded due to governor’s order
Commissioners to discuss funding for indigent defense coordinator program, more (Hays County)
Indigent defense coordinator program renewed (Hays County)
Louisiana:
Louisiana public defender board optimal funding groups new members appointed
How New Orleans activists are pushing DA candidates to end mass incarceration
Connecticut:
Order in the court: 5 things CT attorneys say about courts reopening
Public defenders coming to Norwich to aid un-represented defendants
Public defenders taking outdoor applications Wednesday in New London
New Mexico:
Tipping the scales of justice?
Georgia:
Georgia non-profit Gideon’s promise aims to help public defenders and their clients