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

 

The founder of Gideon’s 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.

 

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.

 

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. 

 

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

 

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

 

Key Topics and Takeaways:

 

• Who Jon is and what he does at Gideon’s 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]

 

Guest:

 

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

 

Resources:

 

Gideon’s Promise

Gideon’s Promise Podcast

@gideonspromise

@Gideons_Promise

 

Memorable Quotes:

 

“Systems 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.” (4:45, Jon)

 

“No longer do we really believe in a criminal legal system like the founders envisioned. It is a system for perpetuating control of people.” (10:45, Jon)

 

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

 

“Law schools are failing at the responsibility of producing lawyers who understand what justice is.” (27:53, Jon)

 

“Culture is a function of our values.” (38:44, Jon)

 

Contact Hunter Parnell:

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www.publicdefenseless.com