Tennessee — Public Defenders — Galsworthy Criminal Justice Reform Program

Public Defenders

Defendants on the lower end of the socio-economic scale find themselves at the mercy of public defenders who are swamped with cases, understaffed, and underfunded. Research shows that even before mass incarceration accelerated in the 1980s, overburdened systems of indigent defense struggled to meet the 6th Amendment constitutional mandate. Public defenders usually have the deck stacked against them due to discovery laws favoring prosecutors and lack of sufficient resources.

Why Tennessee Is Challenging the DOJ's Ethics

"The Tennessee case revolves around what any prosecutor in the state, local or federal, should do with evidence that could prove a defendant’s innocence. The U.S. Supreme Court has ruled in the famous Brady v. Maryland and other decisions that district attorneys are duty-bound to disclose this evidence only when it’s “material” to a case — in other words, when it would probably change the outcome. The Justice Department believes that guidepost is enough."

The Marshall Project

August 13, 2018

DiscoveryAnthony BradleyAugust 15, 2018The Marshall Project, Tennessee

New Rates For Counsel Representing Indigent Defendants And Families

"For the first time in over 20 years, the Tennessee Supreme Court has ordered an increase in the amount paid to lawyers representing indigent parties in criminal and child welfare cases. This rate increase, a 25 percent hike in the hourly rate paid to lawyers for out-of-court work, was funded by a $9.7 million appropriation by the General Assembly and signed by Governor Bill Haslam. "

The Chattanoogan

July 2, 2018

Public Defenders, Lack of FundingAnthony BradleyJuly 30, 2018The Chattanoogan, Tennessee, Chattanooga

Public Defenders

Galsworthy CJR Program

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