Being Atticus Finch

This thesis explores the importance of public defense in the United States criminal justice system. The sixth amendment of the United States Constitution states all those accused of a crime have the right to an attorney. This thesis examines if and how race plays a role when people are arrested, convicted and incarcerated and how having effective counsel affects the outcome of one's case and the person as a whole. The public defenders office in Mecklenburg County, North Carolina to act as a case study for public defense across the nation who often defend minorities. The research includes census reports on public defender offices, incarcerated populations and police arrest demographics combined with numerous interviews with public defenders in Mecklenburg County. Through a short documentary film, this thesis highlights the significant role public defenders play in the United States criminal justice system by how they fight for their clients' constitutional rights.

Author

• Nelson, Katie R.

Language

• en

Keyword

• police
• public defense
• public defenders
• photojournalism
• race
• criminal justice

Date created

• 2015

Type of Work

• Master's Thesis

License

• All rights reserved

Rights statement

• In Copyright

GW Unit

• New Media Photojournalism

Degree

• M.A.

Advisor

• Sterner, Susan

Committee Member(s)

• Sterner, Susan
• Bulisova-Kamps, Gabriela
• Frankfurter, Michelle

Persistent URL

•  https://scholarspace.library.gwu.edu/etd/2z10wq40w