Public Defenseless: Loan Forgiveness

  Today, I am joined by Kyle Morris and Jane Fox, two public defenders who have taken it upon themselves to help people tackle their student loans. Back in the mid 2000's, the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Program established […]

Massachusetts CPCS featuring Anthony Benedetti

This week on the Public Defenseless Podcast, I spoke with Chief Counsel for the Massachusetts Committee for Public Counsel Services Public Counsel Services, Anthony Benedetti. On previous episodes, I have mentioned the unique model employed in Massachusetts, but as a refresher, […]

Nevada Takes its Turn on Public Defenseless

  This week on the Public Defenseless Podcast I spoke with Franny Forsman, a former Federal Public Defender in Nevada. The history of Public Defense in Nevada is a storied one, dating back to the 1800's. Following the landmark decision […]

Oklahoma v. Castro-Huerta: States can prosecute crimes committed by non-Native Americans against Native Americans in Indian country

The federal government and states have concurrent jurisdiction to prosecute crimes committed by non-Native Americans against Native Americans in Indian country, the U.S. Supreme Court held June 29 in Oklahoma v. Castro-Huerta.   Victor Manuel Castro-Huerta was convicted in Oklahoma […]

Protecting the Independence of Public Defenders

This article is reprinted from the June 2022 issue of Washington State Bar News with the permission of the Washington State Bar Association. It was co-authored by Bob Boruchowitz and Larry Jefferson. Two Pennsylvania public defenders were fired after they […]

Cyrus Wilson and Dawn Deaner Discuss Injustice in Nashville

  Today on the Public Defenseless Podcast, it was my honor to speak with Cyrus Wilson and Dawn Deaner. In 1993, Cyrus, only a teenager, was arrested and charged with the murder of Christopher Luckett. Determined to get "their guy", […]

Mark Stephens on Public Defenseless Podcast

Today on the Public Defenseless Podcast I spoke with the former Chief Public Defender of Knoxville, Tennessee, Mark Stephens.    As one of the few remaining places in the country that still elect their public defenders, Tennessee possesses a unique […]

Public Defenseless Podcast: A Judge’s Perspective on Public Defense Reform

  This week on the Public Defenseless Podcast, I am joined by former Michigan District Court Judge, Michigan Indigent Defense Commissioner, and current Michigan State Court Administrator, Tom Boyd. For a while now, I've been trying to get a judge's […]

NAPD Statement on the overturning of Roe v. Wade

NAPD membership is preparing for the onslaught of prosecutions of women, their families and supporters as well as health care providers in light of the Supreme Court’s decision today to eliminate the constitutional right to obtain an abortion, casting aside […]

Public Defenseless Features the Aurora (CO) Municipal Public Defender Program

  It is one thing to have a functioning public defender office, staffed at the proper levels, with adequate caseloads, fighting for your clients in court. It is an entirely different battle to fight for policy changes with legislators and […]