Wisconsin system

The recent release of the National Legal Aid & Defender Association's evaluation of Michigan's failing public defense system generated a tremendous momentum for reform of Michigan's public defense system. On July 10, 2008, the Campaign for Justice and the Prosecuting Attorneys Association of Michigan hosted a joint meeting, featuring Director Nicholas Chiarkas, Deputy Director Kelli Thompson of the Wisconsin State Public Defender Office and Milwaukee County District Attorney John Chisholm.

We hope that this meeting will provide participants with an opportunity to discuss how one example of a statewide public defense system functions from the point of view of both the public defender and the prosecuting attorney in Wisconsin's most populous county. In addition, speakers will discuss how both offices cooperate to improve public safety and reduce recidivism.

Download materials

1. Wisconsin meeting - entire packet of materials (includes all materials listed below)

2. Agenda & Speaker Biographies

3. Eleven Principles of a Public Defense Delivery System

4. "A Race to the Bottom - Speed & Savings Over Due Process: A Constitutional Crisis," National Legal Aid & Defender Association Evaluation of Trial-Level Indigent Defense Services in Michigan (Executive Summary)

5. "Blueprint for a Safer Michigan: Principles & Strategies," Michigan Association of Counties, Prosecuting Attorneys Association of Michigan, Michigan Sheriffs Association, Michigan Association of Chiefs of Police

6. Background information regarding the Wisconsin State Public Defender

7. Background information regarding the Milwaukee District Attorney
    - Milwaukee State Prosecutors: A Statutory History
    - Reorganization Template, Milwaukee County District Attorney's Office

8. Annual 2007 Evaluation Report for the Treatment Alternatives and Diversion (TAD) Program, K. R. Van Stelle, University of Wisconsin Population Health Institute, submitted January 2008