In this episode, I speak with Mark Stephens, the former chief public defender of Knoxville Tennessee.

Tennessee public defense has been stuck in neutral, if not reverse for a long time. In fact, almost everything was established in the 90’s and hasn’t changed much since.

 

Rutherford county incarcerated approximately 48% of children referred to juvenile court in 2014, and the statewide average for juvenile incarceration is 5%. Today, we talk about two alarming reports that have been released discussing the representation of juvenile offenders in the state.

 

In Tennessee, public defenders are elected to 4 and 8-year terms. Mark also highlights how this unique system affects the levels of representation and the bottom line. 

 

Overall, Mark leaves us with his ideas for a better system and the hope that the Tennessee public defense system will change for good.

 

 

Key Topics and Takeaways:

 

• Mark’s position in Tennessee public defense and how he got there. [6:28]
• Elected public defenders. [10:48]
• Public defender workloads and caseloads. [15:16]
• One of the biggest issues facing Tennessee public defense today. [20:10]
• Community outreach. [26:29]
• Holistic representation and public defense. [37:19]
• The average people going through the Tennessee indigent system. [41:06]
• Resources at a county level. [46:03]

 

Guest:

Mark Stephens, Former Chief Defender of Knoxville Public Defense

 

 

Resources:

ProPublica Report

1999 Spangenberg Group Report 

Shelby County Juvenile System Report 

Knoxville Public Defender

Nashville Public Defender

 

 

Memorable Quotes:

 

“Children, for the most part, we have an opportunity to rehabilitate them.” (3:23, Hunter)

 

“Public defenders are paid the same that assistant district attorneys and district attorneys are paid, which is the way I think it ought to be.” (14:52, Mark)

 

“People generally don't care about the adults that are in the criminal justice system, because we've got this idea that they're all bad people and that they're all guilty.” (25:59, Mark)

 

“This state of crisis or chaos that a criminal charge brings in a person's life is also an opportunity for that person and that public defender to bring about change.” (38:12, Mark)

 

“I think the legislature has been shortsighted in terms of fully understanding the potential within the public defender office.” (47:32, Mark)

 

“People would disagree with me, but I think every aspect of the system, as I know it ought to be scrapped and redesigned.” (58:30, Mark)

 

 

Contact Hunter Parnell:

[email protected]

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www.publicdefenseless.com