Keisha Hudson on Reversal of Roe v. Wade

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Chief Defender Keisha Hudson on the Defender’s commitment to representing and supporting Philly’s most vulnerable citizens in a post-Roe vs. Wade America.

[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_empty_space][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row css=”.vc_custom_1656447344175{background-color: #ffffff !important;}”][vc_column][vc_video link=”https://youtube.com/shorts/YfFv4NUFZXs?feature=share”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_empty_space][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row css=”.vc_custom_1656447363951{background-color: #ffffff !important;}”][vc_column][vc_column_text]“No matter where you stand on abortion, there’s no denying that millions of people lost a constitutional right we have had for decades.

“Last week’s ruling will have the greatest impact on poor women, trans and non-binary people of color—the very same communities where most of our clients are from.

This ruling will also impact our justice system. As public defenders, we will be the ones defending many of those held on criminal charges for having, or even seeking, an abortion.

“But this only strengthens our resolve to make sure that our clients continue to get the best legal representation, as well as access to whatever supportive services they need, including healthcare.

“We will continue to partner with community organizations that serve the most vulnerable, and work closely with elected leaders who are committed to fighting for economic and social justice for ALL citizens.”[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_empty_space][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row css=”.vc_custom_1656447528429{background-color: #ffffcc !important;}”][vc_column][vc_column_text]

MORE: HEALTHCARE/REPRODUCTIVE CARE RESOURCES AND INFO

City of Philadelphia: Protecting access to abortion services

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Defender Statement on Confirmation of Ketanji Brown Jackson

PHILADELPHIA–“The Defender Association of Philadelphia joins public defenders across the nation in celebrating and congratulating Ketanji Brown Jackson’s confirmation to the U.S. Supreme Court. Justice Jackson’s confirmation is historic, not only because she’s the first Black woman to be a Supreme Court Justice, but also the first public defender to achieve this honor. 

“The confirmation process, while fraught at times, was important, because it started a dialog about the role of public defenders in our nation’s justice system. During the confirmation hearings, some U.S. Senators tried to paint Justice Jackson and other defenders as ‘soft on crime.’ But in reality, a strong public defense is necessary to ensure fair treatment in court, regardless of defendants’ ability to pay for legal counsel. No one is more dedicated to ensuring that our justice system works for everyone than public defenders.

“We are excited and hopeful about how Justice Jackson’s unique experiences will shape future rulings from the Supreme Court, as well as the national dialog about the critical role of public defense in our justice system.”

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News Coverage: After 68 years, America’s Oldest Juvenile “Lifer” is Free

[vc_row css=”.vc_custom_1613754824176{background-color: #eeeeee !important;}”][vc_column][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner][vc_column_text]Through the work of the Defender’s Bradley Bridge, Joe Ligon, the world’s oldest juvenile lifer is now free. His amazing story has caught national and worldwide attention, putting a big spotlight on the need to end over-incarceration.

Here’s just a sampling of the news coverage, beginning with the Philadelphia Inquirer:

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PHOTOGRAPHER: Jessica Griffin

The nation’s oldest juvenile lifer, Joe Ligon, left a Pa. prison after 68 years

-by Samantha Melamed-

He won release through a legal maneuver that has given hope to hundreds of other juvenile lifers all serving lifetime parole.

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Washington Post:

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CNN:

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New York Post:

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Daily Mail:

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Yahoo News:

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More to come!

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Keir Bradford-Grey on Passing of John Lewis

PHILADELPHIA–“Like the rest of the nation, the Defender Association of Philadelphia mourns the passing of Congressman and Civil Rights icon John Lewis. 
 
“At the Defender, our mission is to advocate for our most vulnerable–and mostly black and brown–citizens as they face a justice system whose every mechanism seems designed to place obstacles between them and their freedom, security, and prosperity. John Lewis’s life serves as an inspiration to me and everyone else who has dedicated their careers to fighting for justice and equal rights for all people.
 
“We must all honor his legacy by continuing this fight.”
 
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