Day 5 (missed a day) -- Arch City Defenders

This is number 5, but the 6th day.  I missed a day, but I missed it for a good reason.

I attended a fundraiser for an organization that I have been honored to serve on the Board of Directors.  Archcity Defenders is a new law firm in St. Louis that is attempting to bridge the gap between indigent defendants who are represented by attorneys in the Missouri Public Defenders Office and those that cannot afford private counsel.  In addition, they would like to fill gaps and represent individuals who would not qualify for PD services because they are charged in municipal court, but they still require representation.  Finally, they are also hoping to break the "cycle of criminal conduct" by attempting to resolve the myriad of issues that individuals may have that are causing, or contributing to, the criminal conduct.

Please look at their website and see what they are doing.

The attorneys are all relatively young, recent graduates, but their idea is one that would be unbelievably beneficial to the  St. Louis area.  Those who work in, or around, the criminal justice system know that system is not efficient and is more akin to a factory line, pushing people through without any real regard to actual rehabilitation or assistance so the criminal conduct does not reoccur.

Though I am not familiar with the criminal justice systems in other cities, I have no doubt they are run the same way, that is, push people through and keep the system moving.  That simply is not good enough.  This city, and many others, have enough problems and if we do not begin considering ways to address those needs, and the needs of the poorest citizens, then this city, and all cities will become almost inhabitable.

I am one blog down and I will write two in one of the next two days.  I will continue with this topic because I believe it is important, but remember, it is just what I think.

Today was a beautiful day.  Weather was mid 70s and, as a result, I took longer to walk to my car, drove with the windows open, and listened to some music.  Today was  a good day.  Since I am sure you are curious, I was listening to Snoop Dogg's First CD (Doggystyle).  One of the best.

Be Easy

-- CP