Presentation Title: Justice Denied: The Overlooked Needs of America’s Public Defenders

Presenter(s): Dillon Darr

Abstract: Public Defenders are a critical pillar of the American justice system, representing over three-fourths of all Americans charged with a crime, of whom the majority are less privileged, impoverished, or a minority. Despite this vital role, Public Defenders are a community almost entirely unserved by information professionals, with scant research conducted and few resources tendered. This state of affairs is shocking in a time of great cultural concern over equitable justice, especially for the underprivileged Americans who so often need the help of a Public Defender.

The presentation of this research will provide an opportunity to examine the unique information needs and behaviors of Public Defenders. Included topics of interest are the resources available to the community and an assessment of research already carried out. In addition, the challenges Public Defenders face in information seeking will be evaluated, especially regarding international and intercultural communication and cooperation. The subjects’ potential effects on unprejudiced justice for all Americans charged with a crime will also be discussed.

It is my hope that by presenting this research, I will bring to light a community that greatly needs the aid of library and information professionals: one where the absence of such experts is of exceptional detriment to all Americans, and whose assistance may further the equitable treatment of all before the law.”

Link to Recorded Presentation: https://youtu.be/WhPt42ky4-o