How the Lack of Independence Weakens Federal Public Defense w/Melody Brannon

Jul 30

Today, Hunter spoke with the Chief Federal Public Defender for the District of Kansas to discuss independence, or the lack thereof, for federal public defenders. Unlike many state systems, the federal system is at the mercy of the federal judiciary. As a result of this judicial oversight, the federal public defenders can be hesitant to be as vocal and aggressive in their public advocacy. Over the past year, the hiring freeze for federal public defense demonstrated the pressing need to remove the federal public defenders out from the control of the bench.

Guests:

Melody Brannon, Chief Federal Public Defender, District of Kansas

Resources:

Annual Federal Defenders Reports

https://www.uscourts.gov/statistics-reports/defender-services-annual-report-2022

https://www.uscourts.gov/statistics-reports/defender-services-annual-report-2023

NACDL Coverage on Lack of Independence

https://www.nacdl.org/Article/August2015-InsideNACDLAFundamentalFlawint

2017 REPORT OF THE AD HOC COMMITTEE TO REVIEW THE CRIMINAL JUSTICE ACT

https://www.uscourts.gov/sites/default/files/2017_report_of_the_ad_hoc_committee_to_review_the_criminal_justice_act-revised_2811.9.17.29_0.pdf

NACDL Testimony to Judicial Conference

https://www.nacdl.org/getattachment/84b11595-12a0-43d9-89ed-6af4fd732d84/gerry-morris-testimony.pdf