Redefining Success as a Public Defender: A Rallying Cry for Those Most Committed to Gideon's Promise

Abstract

Public Defenders fall short of their obligations to clients every day for reasons beyond their control. However, constantly failing to be able to achieve justice for those they are charged with serving can drive even the most committed public defenders from the profession. This article reframes the definition of success for public defenders and seeks to inspire those who do the work to continue fighting to make Gideon's promise a reality.

Keywords: Public defender, Gideon, indigent