Essay On Public Defender

Why would anyone consider practicing law on behalf of an indigent criminal? The day-to-day work of a public defender’s office is highly stressful because of heavy caseloads, uncooperative clients, and an unsupportive criminal justice system. Furthermore, while there is enthusiastic support for providing greater resources to the state to carry out its responsibilities in the criminal justice system, there is very little support for increasing the resources available to public defenders. Because of this fluid funding stream, Chris St. Julien’s role in the 15th Judicial District Public Defender’s Office of ensuring that the office is able to fulfill its mandated role of defending indigent citizens accused of a crime is a constant struggle. The

Being a public defender exposes an attorney to a variety of emotions. From being euphoric after winning a case, to feelings of despair after losing one. Winning a criminal case does not actually satisfy the offender’s material needs, it prevents them from losing years to confinement and possibly death. Losses, on the other hand, can be frustrating, continually recounting a trial, hearing or motion they expected to win. “A person interested in public defense must learn how to handle defeat and not take losses personally,” according to Chris St. Julien with the 15th Judicial District Public Defender’s Office (email, September 21, 2017). Richard Armstrong in, “How to get a Job in a Public Defender’s Office” (2002), formulates the following questions one should answer when considering the field of public defense. “How do you feel about crime and criminals; How do you feel about standing up to the system; Will you like the clients and do you like direct client contact; and Do you have the people skills to do this job?” (Armstrong, 2002, pp. 2-3). How a student answers these questions will help prepare them for the possibility of becoming a public defender. Public defenders must develop an opinion about crime and those who commit crime; have confidence in their belief about the legal system; and have a willingness to confront and challenge

2-3). Chris St. Julien, Business Administrator, 15th Judicial District Court Public Defender’s Office, emphasizes the importance of keeping an open mind, realizing that everyone has a right to have someone fight for justice on their behalf (email, September 21, 2017). While most in society do not like crime, people react to it differently. Some are outraged and demand punishment, others consider the life situation of the accused. The latter often make for good public defenders. Public defense work is about dedication, but it is also about fairness. It is about giving everyone in the criminal justice system a fair shake, upholding the law no matter the case or the client. In essence, a critical question an aspiring public defender must ask him/herself is whether they are willing to represent individuals accused of crimes. Because a public defender’s job is to defend, that means defending the guilty. It also means by defending their clients, public defenders have to wrestle with the public’s disapproval and outrage over criminality. In gaining an understanding of crime and the criminal element, public defenders have an opportunity to afford indigent individuals, accused of crime, equal protection under the