Client centered defense is at the core of our work. To enhance representation and impact-- our connect with clients and the community doesn't start when we are assigned to represent a client in court, and it can't end when the case concludes. Facing heighten criminalization of cross over youth, those affected by both the family regulation and youth justice systems, and the media's constant degradation of communities of color, the destabilization of communities post COVID and the need to embrace these communities through avenues of engagement and activism, we sought to ensure the presence of people with lived experience in policy action and reform through grassroots empowerment initiatives. This is Gideon beyond the courtroom. This is WHAT defense looks like--WHY is it so important, HOW do we do it-- HOW do we fund it-- WHEN this becomes a priority in your practice everything about the way you represent a client will change.
Exploring the AI arms race within the legal industry, this talk delves into the concerning lag in AI adoption within the public defense sector vis-à-vis prosecution. While addressing the crucial considerations of ethics and security, this talk highlights the untapped efficiencies that can bolster defense capabilities in a resource-constrained environment.
Public defenders are used to doing incredibly hard things, often using outdated technology. This has been a challenging situation for years - now exacerbated by an ever-growing deluge of bodycam footage. But change is coming – a new generation of software providers have started using cutting edge AI technology to save public defenders’ time and achieve better case outcomes. What’s more – we’re hungry to hear about your problems, and fix them. Sometimes, what can be an incredibly difficult problem for you can be an easy solve for us. In this Spark, I’ll show you an example and make an ask: tell us about your problems -- we just might be able to fix some of them!
Imagine a world where you can easily navigate exponential amounts of data stored in various formats and systems to identify critical connections that could change the course of a case. A world where AI-powered tools help you find the proverbial needle in the haystack. Where data is a resource instead of a task in your day, where tools find meaningful and actionable insights, provide a clearer roadmap for advocacy, and ensure equal treatment for all. This is the power of human-machine collaboration – a force multiplier in the pursuit of justice.
This session will explore realistic/practical opportunities for public defenders to leverage existing tools and resources to amplify impact, reduce disparities, and redefine what's possible. Combining human expertise with machine learning can level the playing field, reveal hidden patterns, and empower advocates as we work to deliver on the promise of Fundamental Fairness under the law. Join us as we redefine what's possible in public defense, one data point at a time. Together, we can create a future where justice is truly blind and Fundamental Fairness is a reality for all, including you!
If you had the chance to design your office from a blank canvas, what would change look like? Would you stick with the status quo? Or would you work to create vibrant pathways for people of color to rise as leaders? In this session, we'll talk about infusing vibrancy, diversity, and innovation into every stroke to craft a masterpiece of inclusion. Dive into the creative process as we sketch out pathways that pave the way for a more diverse and representative leadership landscape in public defense. Together, let's build a future where everyone has the opportunity to thrive and lead in public defense.
As a public defender, your clients count on you to be in their corner. Today, many cases are won or lost on the basis of digital evidence. Body-worn camera footage. Surveillance video. Interrogation video. Recorded conversations. Transcripts. Even drone footage. However, you are forced to spend inordinate amounts of time collecting, reviewing, scanning, copying, uploading, transcribing and trying to make sense of evidence. With modern Digital Evidence Management (DEMS) technology, you can mount a more effective legal defense on behalf of your clients. In this session, we’ll discuss how to remove the manual processes and worries of managing digital evidence, so you can focus on building a successful defense, and get to the truth faster.
