Public Defenseless 24: How the Media Poisons Criminal Justice Discourse with Scott Hechinger
Scott Hechinger is the founder and executive director of Zealous. Through his work, he is fighting hard to challenge injustice through the media and topple the imbalance of power within the criminal justice system.
As a former public defender in the Bronx system, he comes on today's episode to talk all about New York Public Defense and his work to make it fairer for all. He explains how he collaborates with the media to change the narrative around public defense and break long-held stigmas. He also shares how he encourages all members of the public defense system to come together for positive change.
Scott is an impressive example of one individual who is changing the public defense system for good!
Key Topics and Takeaways:
- Who Scott is and his role in public defense. [8:53]
- How public defense in New York has changed. [11:17]
- Why fear hurts the public defense system. [18:54]
- What people are getting wrong about bail reform. [27:49]
- Reasons the media is biased. [34:07]
- Why police and prosecutors often lie to the media. [40:51]
- Defining justice. [51:48]
- Scott's goals moving forward. [57:33]
Resources:
Prince George County Court Watchers
Memorable Quotes:
"When we see public defenders in the news, it's often saying no comment, we kind of model that behavior and assume that we're not supposed to talk." (16:24, Scott)
"If we actually cared about public health and safety, we wouldn't be investing billions into costly and cruel and failed solutions." (19:19, Scott)
"Here's what people need to know: the reality is that bail reform is consistent with greater public safety." (33:04, Scott)
"I think people just need to realize that, to tell a whole story. You need every aspect of that story. You can't just listen to the same side because they're going to have the same biases." (41:35, Hunter)
"I know that when folks are locked up and pushed away, not forced to confront the pain that they caused, it's actually not holding folks accountable. It's easier to put it out of sight out of mind". (56:35, Scott)
Contact Hunter Parnell:
hwparnell@publicdefenseless.com