A message from the Campaign for Justice director

The statewide movement for reform of Michigan's public defense delivery system officially kicked into high gear during the week of June 16, with the State Bar of Michigan's long-awaited release of the National Legal Aid and Defender Association (NLADA) report on Michigan's public defense system, followed by the well-attended Public Defense Task Force Conference.

David Carroll, NLADA's director of research and evaluation, presented his research team's findings to the legislature, to members of the judiciary, to other top public officials and concerned organizations in a series of meetings and media interviews sponsored by the State Bar. The round of presentations included briefings of the House and Senate Judiciary Committee meetings and a keynote speech at the June 19 Public Defense Task Force Conference.

Carroll made it clear that the problems with Michigan's public defense delivery system are both profound and systemic –that even the most seasoned, competent and ethical defense attorneys can not function effectively when they are denied the time, resources, and procedural protections required to comply with the minimum national standards for public defense services. (See home page for materials and video.)

Hard-hitting editorials across the state are asking the state to step up to its responsibility to ensure that the poor receive Constitutionally adequate representation. In-depth radio reporting made the link between public safety and systemic failures that lead to wrongful convictions – jailing the innocent while the real perpetrators go free.

NEXT STEPS – TAKE ACTION!

The State Bar of Michigan release of  the NLADA report, and Public Defense Task Force Conference, extensive media coverage and a thoughtful response from policy makers have all set the stage for change – change that many of you have worked for over several decades. However, it will take a great deal of collective effort to make the leap from defining the problem to solving it.  Many of you shared your valuable insights and suggestions at the Task Force Conference. We will be reviewing and developing an action plan based on your contributions.

But many have yet to join the Campaign. Ensuring the legislature enacts comprehensive reform -- both adequate state funding and a system that complies with national standards – will take a statewide movement where everyone's effort counts.

With your help, we can ensure that June 2008 marked the beginning of comprehensive public defense reform in our state!

What you can do today:

•    Letters to the editor from all over the state will help keep the momentum going and dispel myths about the report. If you are willing to write letters, assist with outreach, or volunteer in any other capacity, please contact Stephanie Chang at schang@michigancampaignforjustice.org or (313) 310-5666.

•    If you have not done so, go to the Campaign website at www.michigancampaignforjustice.org and read the executive summary or full NLADA report, conference materials, news reports and sign up as a volunteer.  Tell us how you think you can help make a difference.

•    Leave your feedback on events and the report, share your ideas, and put yourself on the list for Campaign announcements.

•    Talk to your friends and colleagues about the report. Share their responses and your own anecdotes about the current system.  Ask them and others to sign up for Campaign for Justice Alerts. Tell us whom you think we should be meeting with. 

The Campaign will use the website and alerts to make sure you are both informed and involved as, together, we push for long overdue reforms. Don't hesitate to also call us at the Campaign office at 517-372-3050, to ask questions, make suggestions, or request information.