Kansas Public Defenders Celebrate As Gideon Turns 60

Members of BIDS Leadership celebrated Gideon Day by attending visiting the Kansas Statehouse to hear the Gideon Day resolution being passed. From left to right, they include: Ann Sagan, Director of Special Projects; Jessica Glendening, Chief Public Defender, Third Judicial District Office; Heather Cessna, Executive Director; Brandon Barrett, General Counsel; Kim Mason, Chief Fiscal Officer; Jonathon Noble, Chief Public Defender, Northeast Kansas Conflicts Office; and Michelle Ewert, BIDS Board Member.

by Meryl Carver-Allmond, BIDS Training Director

Gideon v. Wainwright, the landmark case that established public defense in the United States as we know it, turned 60 this year, and Kansas Public Defenders took the opportunity to celebrate.

Kicking off the week, the Board of Indigents’ Defense passed a resolution acknowledging, “the hard work being done by the employees of our public defender offices and of our assigned private counsel in safeguarding fundamental constitutional rights in Kansas; and [commending] the continuing dedication of all those who serve our clients through their zealous advocacy….” In passing the resolution, Board President Braden Perry noted that, while the Board appreciates the work of public defenders everyday, it wanted to particularly acknowledge it for Gideon Day. You can read the full resolution here.

In addition to the Board, the Kansas House of Representatives also passed a resolution recognizing March 18, 2023, as Gideon Day. That resolution also recognized the hard work that public defenders do each day to safeguard “fundamental constitutional rights” and “provide zealous advocacy for all who are indigent and accused”. You can read the full resolution here and watch a video of the event here.

Lastly, because, of course, there had to be a party somewhere in addition to these thoughtful resolutions, Deputy Appellate Defender Jennifer Roth held a Concert for Gideon at her Lawrence event space. The concert was part of a national movement, in partnership with Concerts for Indigent Defense and the National Association for Public Defense.

Happy Gideon Day!