"Gideon’s Army": Young Public Defenders Brave Staggering Caseloads, Low Pay to Represent the Poor [View all]

[rug]

Thursday, January 24, 2013

The new documentary "Gideon’s Army" follows a group of young public defenders in the Deep South who contend with low pay, long hours and staggering caseloads to represent the poor. The film’s title comes from the landmark 1963 Supreme Court ruling in Gideon v. Wainwright that established the right to counsel to defendants in criminal cases who are unable to afford their own attorneys. We’re joined by "Gideon’s Army" director and producer Dawn Porter, and Travis Williams, a Georgia public defender who is featured in the film. (Transcript to come. Check back soon.)

http://www.democracynow.org/2013/1/24/gideons_army_young_public_defenders_brave

49:58 video at link. Well worth it. As is dusting this off and reading it from time to time.

http://www.law.cornell.edu/supct/html/historics/USSC_CR_0372_0335_ZS.html