Michigan Campaign for Justice - Fighting for a fair and effective public defense system
The Campaign for Justice is fighting for a fair and effective public defense system in Michigan that meets nationally recognized standards.

Featured Event

Please click here for news coverage. 


Michigan Indigent Defense Advisory Commission updates:  Visit our commission updates page for information from the December 2 and 16 meetings. The Commission has scheduled meetings on January 20, February 17, and March 16, 2012. All meetings will be from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Further meeting information will be posted on our online calendar as we receive it.


News

Public defender system could get overhaul in 2012

Laura Weber, Michigan Radio, December 29, 2011

“[A] patchwork of 83 systems and systems inside of those systems just is an embarrassment," said Tom McMillin (R-Rochester Hills). "We need to really get a better handle to try to ensure justice.”

More >>

Thursday, December 29, 2011

Indigent defense system must change

Lansing State Journal, December 12, 2011

"Poor people in Michigan accused of a crime don't always get adequate and competent legal representation. Gov. Rick Snyder recognizes that undermines our criminal justice system and has taken a critical first step to fixing the indigent defense system by appointing a study commission."

More >>

Monday, December 12, 2011

Why Michigan's indigent defense system must be reformed

Editorial Board, Grand Rapids Press, December 4, 2011

"Poor people in Michigan accused of a crime don’t always get adequate and competent legal representation. Gov. Rick Snyder recognizes that undermines our criminal justice system and has taken a critical first step to fixing the indigent defense system by appointing a study commission. ... The Legislature ought to have the political courage to move forward sensible reforms — long overdue — from this panel."

More >>

Sunday, December 04, 2011

Class and the Courts

Lester Graham, Michigan Radio, November 21, 2011

"So, imagine this. You’ve been accused of a crime. You know you didn’t do it. But, the police think you did. You cannot afford a lawyer. So, you are appointed a lawyer. In a few counties, it might be someone from a public defenders office. In other counties, your lawyer might be someone who was appointed by a judge- which some see as a conflict. The lawyer got the job because of the judge which puts the lawyer’s independence in question. In almost half of Michigan counties, it might be a lawyer who put in the lowest bid for a contract with the county. Critics say for most counties, not enough resources are provided to a public defense lawyer to put together a proper defense."

More >>

Monday, November 21, 2011

Commission can help end an injustice for poor defendants in Michigan

Detroit Free Press editorial, October 24, 2011

"What kind of defense you get often depends on which side of a county line you're in," said Peter Cunningham, executive director of the Michigan Campaign for Justice, which has pushed for indigent defense reforms for more than four years. "You can't have a fair system without some sort of parity."

More >>

Monday, October 24, 2011

State public defender system needs revamping

Battle Creek Enquirer editorial, October 19, 2011

"Snyder wants the 14-member Indigent Defense Advisory Commission to come up with recommendations for improvement by next July 15. We hope those recommendations lead to a better system that upholds the standards of justice throughout the state."

More >>

Wednesday, October 19, 2011

 

YouTube Channel