WHEREAS, The Defender Association of Philadelphia was founded in 1934 by a group of local Philadelphian lawyers who were dedicated to providing quality legal service for indigent criminal defendants. Following the landmark Supreme Court decision in Gideon v. Wainwright, the Association accepted responsibility as public defender for the City of Philadelphia, working to ensure that all criminal defendants can avail themselves of the rights guaranteed by the Sixth Amendment of the United States Constitution; and
WHEREAS, The Defenders Association of Philadelphia works diligently to provide high-quality legal representation to the citizens of the City of Philadelphia. Striving to support adult and juvenile justice, the Defender Association promotes courtroom advocacy and collaborates with vulnerable populations to ensure a fair and equitable justice system; and
WHEREAS, For ninety years, the Defender Association has worked to vindicate the rights of criminal defendants in Philadelphia. With attorneys representing more than 70 percent of defendants in adult and juvenile state court, the Association plays an invaluable role in promoting justice in our City; and
WHEREAS, In addition to providing legal representation to criminal defendants, Defender Association attorneys also serve as child advocates, representing children with open dependent petitions. In fulfilling this role, the Defenders Association has successfully advocated for children and families across Philadelphia, helping to advocate for important policy changes aimed at protecting vulnerable children and reducing the number of family separations; and
WHEREAS, The Defender Association of Philadelphia provides an invaluable service not only to the clients who they serve, but to all of our City’s residents. In vindicating the rights of the underserved and advocating for the disadvantaged, the Defender Association has helped to create a more just Philadelphia, and the Council is proud to join in celebrating the Defenders’ anniversary; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED THAT THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA hereby honors the Defender Association of Philadelphia on the 90th anniversary of the Association’s founding and recognizes the contributions of the Association and its attorneys to Philadelphia’s criminal justice system.
FURTHER RESOLVED, That an engrossed copy of this resolution be presented to the Defender Association of Philadelphia as evidence of the sincere sentiments of this legislative body.
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