Today, Hunter spoke with Elbert Aull, a Public Defender from King County Washington and chairman of the Public Defender Union's Political Action Committee to discuss the vital role the union played in bringing attention to the horrid conditions of jails in King County. As with many of our unionization episodes, this episode highlights the type of political and media engagement that are not normally available to Public Defenders, whether they be non-unionized or contract. Most importantly, Elbert's work on the Political Action Committee demonstrates the potential for Public Defenders to become trusted members of the labor force and how they can leverage that trust to shape criminal legal discourse across a politically diverse state like Washington.

Guest:

Elbert Aull, Public Defender, King County, Washington

Resources

PAC comments on the jail crisis

https://www.kuow.org/stories/king-county-public-defenders-corrections-officers-see-eye-to-eye-on-covid-crisis-in-jails

https://www.thestranger.com/news/2022/09/08/78447742/how-can-we-fix-the-king-county-jail-crisis

https://www.fox13seattle.com/news/king-county-jails-consider-releasing-non-violent-suspects-due-to-staffing-shortages-inhumane-conditions

https://www.thestranger.com/news/2023/04/05/78935744/king-county-commits-millions-to-make-jail-slightly-less-crowded

ACLU Lawsuit that lead to restricting of Public Defense

https://sixthamendment.org/independence-threatened-as-public-defenders-strive-for-parity-in-king-county-washington/

Email Elbert

[email protected]

Contact Hunter Parnell:

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