60 min listen
30: How Tennessee Fails to Protect Children Accused of Crimes w/Mark Stephens
30: How Tennessee Fails to Protect Children Accused of Crimes w/Mark Stephens
ratings:
Length:
62 minutes
Released:
Jul 6, 2022
Format:
Podcast episode
Description
In this episode, I speak with Mark Stephens, the former chief public defender of Knoxville Tennessee. Tennessee public defense has been stuck in neutral, if not reverse for a long time. In fact, almost everything was established in the 90’s and hasn’t changed much since. Rutherford county incarcerated approximately 48% of children referred to juvenile court in 2014, and the statewide average for juvenile incarceration is 5%. Today, we talk about two alarming reports that have been released discussing the representation of juvenile offenders in the state. In Tennessee, public defenders are elected to 4 and 8-year terms. Mark also highlights how this unique system affects the levels of representation and the bottom line. Overall, Mark leaves us with his ideas for a better system and the hope that the Tennessee public defense system will change for good. Key Topics and Takeaways: Mark’s position in Tennessee public defense and how he got there. [6:28] Elected public defenders. [10:48] Public defender workloads and caseloads. [15:16] One of the biggest issues facing Tennessee public defense today. [20:10] Community outreach. [26:29] Holistic representation and public defense. [37:19] The average people going through the Tennessee indigent system. [41:06] Resources at a county level. [46:03] Guest: Mark Stephens, Former Chief Defender of Knoxville Public Defense Resources: ProPublica Report 1999 Spangenberg Group Report Shelby County Juvenile System Report Knoxville Public Defender Nashville Public Defender Memorable Quotes: “Children, for the most part, we have an opportunity to rehabilitate them.” (3:23, Hunter) “Public defenders are paid the same that assistant district attorneys and district attorneys are paid, which is the way I think it ought to be.” (14:52, Mark) “People generally don't care about the adults that are in the criminal justice system, because we've got this idea that they're all bad people and that they're all guilty.” (25:59, Mark) “This state of crisis or chaos that a criminal charge brings in a person's life is also an opportunity for that person and that public defender to bring about change.” (38:12, Mark) “I think the legislature has been shortsighted in terms of fully understanding the potential within the public defender office.” (47:32, Mark) “People would disagree with me, but I think every aspect of the system, as I know it ought to be scrapped and redesigned.” (58:30, Mark) Contact Hunter Parnell: hwparnell@publicdefenseless.com Instagram www.publicdefenseless.com
Released:
Jul 6, 2022
Format:
Podcast episode
Titles in the series (100)
01: Public Defense 101: If you are new to Public Defenseless or the topic of public defense, here’s where you should start! In this special solo episode, host Hunter Parnell introduces himself, describes the background of this podcast, and shares everything you need... by Public Defenseless