Defending the indefensible: What it means to be a public defender | Jason Conge | TEDxBonitaVistaHS

Summary

A deputy public defender from San Diego County reflects on defending individuals who are guilty of crimes. He shares the challenges and rewards of his 12-year career, emphasizing the values of compassion, hard work, and love. Through two real-life examples, Chris and Anna, he demonstrates how personal history and circumstances can influence actions, and why defending the most vulnerable is essential. He encourages others to help those who are often neglected, highlighting that reintegration and understanding can lead to positive change, even for those who have committed serious offenses.

Takeaways

• 🛡️ Public defenders are appointed to represent individuals in criminal cases who can't afford a lawyer, and their services are completely free, including all resources like investigators and mental health support.
• 💼 The speaker, a public defender, emphasizes that they work with a compassionate community of professionals who help clients reintegrate into society, regardless of guilt.
• 💪 The defender encourages people to help those who no one else wants to help, emphasizing the rewards of compassion, hard work, and love.
• 🔪 The story of Chris, a young man who turned his life around after a felony conviction, illustrates the challenges of being judged based on a past mistake.
• 🚔 Chris was arrested for carrying a concealed work knife, even though he was not involved in the crime police were initially investigating, showing the sometimes harsh consequences of legal technicalities.
• ⚖️ The public defender and his team fought for Chris using constitutional rights, ultimately getting the case dismissed due to an unlawful search, even though Chris was technically guilty of the knife charge.
• 🔪 Anna's case was much more severe—she was charged with attempted murder after stabbing her mother, but the defender dug deeper into her past to find that she had been a victim of years of sexual abuse.
• 🧠 Through investigations and psychological evaluations, the defender uncovered that Anna suffered from PTSD due to her abuse, which influenced her actions and helped negotiate a lesser sentence.
• 👩‍👧 Despite her crime, Anna was able to turn her life around after receiving help, becoming a responsible mother and graphic designer, showing the power of rehabilitation.
• ❤️ The overarching message of the script is that defending those who have committed crimes—sometimes severe ones—can still be an act of compassion and justice, leading to positive outcomes for individuals and society.

Q & A

What is the role of a public defender?

A public defender is an attorney appointed by the court to represent individuals in criminal cases who cannot afford a lawyer. Their services, including consultations, investigations, and any necessary specialists, are provided free of charge.

How long has the speaker been working as a public defender?

The speaker has been working as a public defender for about 12 years.

What was Chris charged with, and how did it affect his life?

Chris was charged with possession of a dirk or dagger, which is a crime in California. This charge could have led to a felony conviction, affecting his ability to get a contractor's license and causing other significant life disruptions.

Why was Chris stopped by the police?

Chris was stopped by the police because he matched the description of a suspect involved in a hit-and-run incident earlier that day.

What was the outcome of Chris's case after going to court?

The judge found the police stop to be unreasonable, suppressed the knife as evidence, and the prosecutor had to dismiss the case.

What was Anna charged with, and what were the potential consequences?

Anna was charged with premeditated attempted murder for stabbing her mother. The potential consequences included life in prison.

What personal struggles did Anna face that contributed to her actions?

Anna had been struggling with alcoholism, which was a result of years of sexual abuse by her mother's boyfriends.

How did the speaker's team help Anna's case?

The speaker's team gathered information about Anna's abuse history, involved a substance abuse assessor for her alcoholism, and hired a psychologist who diagnosed her with post-traumatic stress disorder. They presented this information to the prosecutor to negotiate a better outcome.

What was the final outcome for Anna?

Anna was able to avoid a decade in prison, stopped drinking, reconciled with her mother, and returned to the community as a productive member, working as a graphic designer.

What advice does the speaker give to those looking to help others?

The speaker encourages helping those that no one else wants to help and lending a hand to those in need, emphasizing that doing so can be one of the most rewarding experiences.

What personal qualities does the speaker believe are essential for their job?

The speaker believes that compassion, hard work, and love are essential qualities for a public defender.