Office of the Alternate Defense Counsel Blog

We know that our criminal legal system is infused with racism. While last week’s verdict in the Derek Chauvin case was a relief, and hopefully brings some peace to George Floyd’s family and friends, it also highlights that there is much work to be done. We acknowledge that this verdict does not change the disproportionate, devastating impact of policing and police violence that continues to wreak havoc on communities of color.  This is nothing new and we have a long way to go. Racism is pervasive in American society and continues to be evident in many of our country’s systems, decisions, actions, or lack of action by those in positions of power. Overt and covert forms of racial injustice must continue to be exposed and addressed. We are hopeful that the impact of George Floyd’s murder will not fade so quickly this time, as compared to so many similar historical occurrences. 

The OADC is looking for two new members for our commission!  Members cannot be current OADC contractors.

Juneteenth commemorates the final freeing of slaves in America in 1865.  Yet, 155 years later, African Americans are still not truly free.  Unequal treatment in education, employment, housing, access to capital, and mass incarceration hold people of color under a heavy weight of despair, poverty, illness, and death.  Systems that should support vulnerable communities, such as public assistance, seem perversely designed to perpetuate this long history of abuse.  Men and women of color are being murdered by law enforcement – in the streets, in their cars, and in their homes.

The OADC released the following statement on June 5, 2020:

#StillDefending