Public Defenseless 19: How Pennsylvania's Failure to Fund Public Defense Hurts Everyone w/Keisha Hudson
In Philadelphia, a whopping 70% of people arrested are represented by public defenders.
In this episode, I speak with Keisha Hudson, the Chief Defender of the Philadelphia Defender Association.
She walks me through the ins and outs of the indigent defense system in Pennsylvania, and how she deals with the lack of funding and support from the legislature.
Pennsylvania stands as one of the only states that provides 0 funding to Public Defenders at the trial level. This lack of funding often forces public defenders to fight the county governments for desperately needed funding. In our conversation, Keisha shares with us her fight for funding in Montgomery County.
Despite the lack of funding, Keisha will show us how she is able to lead the Philadelphia Defender Association to be renowned as one of the best offices in the state despite the lack of support.
With her expertise and passion, Keisha was a fantastic guest to discuss the challenging cases Public Defenders can face and how failing to fund Public Defense rested at the heart of the Kids for Cash Scandal in Luzerne County.
Key Topics and Takeaways:
- Keisha's background and where she fits into the system. [0:32]
- How public defenders are using strategic advocacy. [9:27]
- Building relationships with media. [13:20]
- The role of restorative justice. [19:33]
- Why Philadelphia has such a strong public defense system. [41:45]
- What's going to bring change? [38:38]
- Where Keisha wants public defense to go. [48:24]
Guest:
Keisha Hudson, Chief Defender Philadelphia Defender Association
Resources:
Pennsylvania Committee on racial and Gender and Bias in the Justice System
Task Force and Advisory Committee on Services to Indigent Criminal Defendants
Lawsuit Against Luzerne County
Memorable Quotes:
"If you are looking to do public defense and you want to learn how to be an incredible trial lawyer, then come to Philadephia. We have earned and enjoyed a reputation for our zealous advocacy in and out of the courtroom." (1:58, Keisha)
"We are appointed in every case where someone cannot afford counsel. And when you have an office that's not funded and resourced, it presents a significant constitutional challenge in meeting those requirements of zealous and effective advocacy." (5:29, Keisha)
"You can find something redeeming about every human being." (18:02, Keisha)
"I think if you balance the scales and if you have a well-funded, well-resourced public defender office who can push those issues and not fear political repercussions from county commissioners or from the bench, you are able to make a better impact." (36:54, Keisha)
"If we truly prevent crime and lower crime rates and impact public safety, then we need to reinvest in solutions we know work and in a robust social safety net." (47:44, Keisha)
Contact Hunter Parnell:
hwparnell@publicdefenseless.com