29: The Role a Judge can Play in Reforming Public Defense w/Tom Boyd

Today, you’ll hear about public defense from the judge’s point of view. Tom Boyd is a former Michigan District Court Judge who currently works in the court administration office.

At one point one of the weakest systems in the United States, his work to improve the indigent system has driven forward the future of Michigan public defense and has left a positive precedent for other states.

The 6th amendment is the ultimate protection against government power that is designed to keep people safe from a government acting out of control.

Many people believe that judges should be held accountable for protecting the constitution, so bettering the public defense system should be more of a priority.

Sharing his unique perspective, your mindset around public defense will be challenged and you’ll see that a lot more than you think goes into fair representation for all.

Key Topics and Takeaways:

• Tom’s background and his role in the Michigan indigent system. [6:01]
• A judge’s function in the Michigan courtroom. [10:21]
• Some history on the Michigan indigent defense system. [16:01]
• What gets in the way of constitutionally adequate representation. [21:21]
• Prosecutors and public defense. [28:03]
• Ending the plea deal epidemic. [34:57]
• Tom’s experience being on both sides of the bench. [45:42]
• Where Tom wants Michigan public defense to go. [49:39]
• Holding prosecutors accountable. [54:00]

Guests:

Tom Boyd, Former Michigan District Court Judge, Michigan State Court Administrator

Resources:

Michigan Indigent Defense Commission

NLADA Report “Race to the Bottom”

Memorable Quotes:

“I want to talk to more than just public defenders. I want to talk to all range of people who are involved in the criminal justice system, because part of reform is going to require that all of the people in the system work together.” (2:07, Hunter)

“When you're the judge at the end of the conversation you win.” (13:35, Tom)

“If we can be crass about it, the judiciary is a service industry.” (22:05, Tom)

“I think that the Michigan indigent defense commission, which is still in its infancy, you know, six years, seven years, something like that. Has established itself as reliable and dedicated to advancement and done a good enough job that there are very few judges who fought the relinquishment of control.” (25:56, Tom)

“There are bad actors in the legal system who take advantage of individuals and they should be found, rooted out, and gotten out of the system.” (48:29, Hunter)

Contact Hunter Parnell:

[email protected]

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www.publicdefenseless.com