Public Defense

Holly Maguigan stands at a podium smiling, giving a speech.

When Women Fought Back: Holly Maguigan’s Legacy in the Law When Women Fought Back: Holly Maguigan’s Legacy in the Law

Her work forced the law to embrace a feminist conception of danger, threat, and defending yourself and your family.

Dec 14, 2023 / Katherine Franke

A sign showing that guns are not allowed, in black and white

There’s No Second Amendment on the South Side of Chicago There’s No Second Amendment on the South Side of Chicago

Why public defenders are standing with the New York State Rifle and Pistol Association in the Supreme Court.

Nov 12, 2021 / Sharone Mitchell Jr.

Bail Out

The TV Series Derailing Bail Reform in New Orleans The TV Series Derailing Bail Reform in New Orleans

The tough-on-crime spin is undercutting the hard work of activists and criminal justice experts in the city.

Mar 14, 2019 / Emmeline Clein

Legal Aid rally against ICE

Legal-Aid Services Are Being Starved Legal-Aid Services Are Being Starved

Law schools are trying to address this chronic underfunding, but there needs to be a broader rallying cry.

Mar 22, 2018 / Douglas Grant

Bail Bonds Sign

In Some States, Defendants Can Be Charged Hundreds of Dollars Just to Face a Jury In Some States, Defendants Can Be Charged Hundreds of Dollars Just to Face a Jury

And other ways our judicial system bleeds the poor with debt.

Jun 29, 2016 / Michelle Chen

Our Rickety Public Defense System Has Finally Collapsed. Here’s How to Fix It.

Our Rickety Public Defense System Has Finally Collapsed. Here’s How to Fix It. Our Rickety Public Defense System Has Finally Collapsed. Here’s How to Fix It.

The right to counsel is unique in American law, and there is no clear blueprint for how such a right is supposed to be enforced.

May 9, 2016 / Sara Mayeux

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