Despite the constitutional right to an attorney and the state Supreme Court’s affirmation of this right, Pennsylvania fails to provide adequate funding or oversight for public defenders. That leaves tens of thousands of Pennsylvanians who can’t afford to pay for a lawyer without effective defense counsel every year.
This event will bring together civil rights advocates, bail fund organizers, and individuals directly impacted by the carceral system, the event will seek to educate and mobilize attendees to demand funding for public defense across the commonwealth.