The Sixth Amendment to the United States Constitution provides that “in all criminal prosecutions, the accused shall have the right ... to have the Assistance of Counsel for his defense.” What exactly the “right” to counsel in a criminal matter means has been the subject of debate in legal circles and courtrooms since the amendment was written.
At this event we discuss the history of criminal defense in America, how the current system is significantly flawed, and what is being done by organizations like The Bronx Defenders to address it.
Alice has been a criminal defense attorney for over twelve years – representing thousands of clients in both state and federal courts. She now serves as the Managing Director of Criminal Practice at The Bronx Defenders. Learn more about Alice...
The Bronx Defenders is a public defender nonprofit that is radically transforming how low-income people in the Bronx are represented in the justice system and, in doing so, is transforming the system itself. Learn more about The Bronx Defenders...
Wesley Caines is a Bronx native and the Chief of Staff at the Bronx Defenders (BxD).
Previously Wes led the organization’s reentry and community engagement work including developing a practice with clients and community members to overcome barriers to their justice involvement, as well as engage in policy work across the spectrum of criminal justice reform. Read more about Wesley here.
The talk will be taking place within the 10-day Innocent on Death Row / Free Rob Will art installation.
The show is produced by Wrongful Conviction with Jason Flom x the Vanderbilt Republic, and will be showcasing wrongfully condemned artist Rob Will's work.
His work will be for sale, with proceeds supporting Rob's defense fund. You can learn more about the exhibition here.
America’s justice system finds itself at a critical juncture. The United States continues to imprison a globally unprecedented amount of its citizens. However, momentum is starting to shift in the right direction, with support for reform across party lines.
The EPIC community was created to build friendships between the leaders fighting to end mass incarceration and influential people that can empower them via their knowledge, resources and network.
