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38: Can the Michigan Model Pave the Way for Public Defense? with Kristen Staley
38: Can the Michigan Model Pave the Way for Public Defense? with Kristen Staley
ratings:
Length:
67 minutes
Released:
Aug 17, 2022
Format:
Podcast episode
Description
38: Michigan Public Defense w/ Kristen Staley Ready for a refreshing dose of positivity? In this episode, Hunter speaks with Kristen Staley, the Executive Director of the Michigan Indigent Defense. Kristen maps out the complexities of a committee system, sharing the unique challenges and benefits that having individual offices hold. It turns out that the quality of services varies from county to county. She’ll also explain how she is working in the legislature to transform the future of Michigan public defense. Kristen has many goals for the state that she lays out in this episode. Overall, Kristen conveys an attitude of hope and excitement for the future. She is certain that Michigan indigent defense will change for the better. Key Topics and Takeaways: Kristen’s background and how she got into Michigan public defense. [10:53] Handling cases of individuals 18-25. [15:26] The Michigan Model of public defense. [24:08] Michigan’s indigency standards. [36:17] The commission and state’s response to the Sixth Amendment Center reports. [39:39] How Kristen works with the legislature. [44:35] The difference between being an advocate and a policy maker. [48:39] Kristen’s goals for Michigan indigent defense. [59:43] Guest: Kristen Staley, Executive Director Michigan Indigent Defense Commission Resources: Michigan Indigent Defense Commission Race to the Bottom NLADA Report 2018 Wayne County Report 2019 Wayne County Report Prof Eve Primus Observations on Michigan Court Rooms Memorable Quotes: “Change can happen and will happen if you keep on pushing.” (10:23, Hunter) “18 is not a magic number, that there is science and there is research and youth are not adults.” (17:07, Kristen) “The criminal justice system, just like any other type of system, is run by humans. Right? And we all have these biases, no matter what it is, but we have to be able to understand and recognize them.” (18:21, Kristen) “I think that having such a large group of stakeholders beyond the commission helps ensure that we're actually hearing all the voices and makes sure that we're not forgetting things.” (35:15, Kristen) “I think there's a lot of very good activists who push these types of things forward, but not every great activist is also a great policy person. I think that's very different. And not every great policy person is a great activist.” (51:47, Hunter) “Public defenders care about this work. At the end of the day they are advocates.” (1:04:35, Kristen) Contact Hunter Parnell: hwparnell@publicdefenseless.com Instagram www.publicdefenseless.com
Released:
Aug 17, 2022
Format:
Podcast episode
Titles in the series (100)
04: Why is Public Defense Failing Nationwide? with David Carroll: 04: Public Defense w/ David Carroll This week, Executive Director of the Sixth Amendment Center, David Carroll walks us through how he got into public defense, the issues with public defense, and solutions that we can implement now. You’ll... by Public Defenseless