Mission

A new initiative that transforms the role of public defenders in the national movement to end our system of mass criminalization.

Purpose

Rather than teaching how to make a better bail argument in a case, we will work with defenders to challenge the structure of the bail system. Rather than arguing that it is a low “risk” to release a client from jail, we will work with defenders to challenge the risk assessment tool. Rather than focusing on procedural justice or building skills toward direct services, Defender Impact Initiative will connect public defenders to the broader movement so that they become situated to critique and change the system and are provided with the strategic guidance to do that when appropriate.