BROADCASTS.com

Jon Rapping is a former public defender dedicated to changing the system and advocating for true equality.\xa0

\xa0

The founder of Gideon\u2019s Promise, this nonprofit organization is on a mission to build a movement of public defenders that can drive transformative change within the criminal legal system.

\xa0

In this episode, Jon talks about the challenges of shaping the culture of a public defender office to one that is capable of providing client centered public defense.

\xa0

He explains why so many young public defenders come into this field passionate and ready to drive change, but end up burning out and going with the status quo.\xa0

\xa0

By mentoring these lawyers and building a community to support them, public defenders receive strategies to close the gap between themselves and their clients.\xa0

\xa0

The criminal justice and public defense systems might be dysfunctional, but this episode will give you hope that positive change is on the horizon.\xa0

\xa0

Key Topics and Takeaways:

\xa0

• Who Jon is and what he does at Gideon\u2019s Promise. [0:21]
• Why Washington DC has such a strong public defense system. [2:55]
• The reasons that Americans have embraced the tough-on-crime movement. [12:39]
• Overcoming discrimination. [16:29]
• The power of storytelling. [27:11]
• Fixing law schools. [31:36]
• What client-centered really means. [43:58]
• Addiction and mental health issues. [46:56]

\xa0

Guest:

\xa0

Jon Rapping, Executive Director/Co-Founder of Gideon's Promise

\xa0

Resources:

\xa0

Gideon\u2019s Promise

Gideon\u2019s Promise Podcast

@gideonspromise

@Gideons_Promise

\xa0

Memorable Quotes:

\xa0

\u201cSystems that lack funding and lack independence very quickly develop a culture where public defenders are pushed to go along with the status quo to please judges and value efficiency over representing clients and valuing justice.\u201d (4:45, Jon)

\xa0

\u201cNo longer do we really believe in a criminal legal system like the founders envisioned. It is a system for perpetuating control of people.\u201d (10:45, Jon)

\xa0

\u201cThe public is fed a narrative that says marginalized communities, black and brown communities, are dangerous, they're a threat.\u201d (13:19, Jon)

\xa0

\u201cLaw schools are failing at the responsibility of producing lawyers who understand what justice is.\u201d (27:53, Jon)

\xa0

\u201cCulture is a function of our values.\u201d (38:44, Jon)

\xa0

Contact Hunter Parnell:

hwparnell@publicdefenseless.com

Twitter

Instagram

www.publicdefenseless.com