our mission
We build and advocate for state policy to address the needs of disenfranchised communities and build black political power. We strive to create sustainable and structural change, and work to rebuild the lost connection between social justice and the Church.
balancing the bench in jefferson county
The Problem
Our criminal legal system faces a crisis of legitimacy, given that over a thousand people were killed by law enforcement last year, and that disproportionately the people killed are Black. Beyond this crisis of confidence, in which many Americans have lost faith in the system, there are also big questions about fairness inside our judicial system. To deal with this, in addition to racial diversity, and gender diversity, our courts need a diversity of professional experience for them to be representative of the people they serve. In 2014, Alliance for Justice released a report which found that an overwhelming number of Judges and nominees to the courts were prosecutors and not criminal defense attorneys.
Why does professional diversity matter?
When a judge sitting on the bench rules that a witness is credible, or whether members of law enforcement acted “reasonably,” they bring their perspective and experience to bear. When our cities are finally beginning to grapple with the terrible toll of excessive policing, unjust over-criminalization, and mass incarceration it matters that the judges on the courts have a range of perspectives. Defense attorneys are deeply familiar with the disparities in sentencing and arrests. They have to navigate these challenges every day as they support their clients, and witness how they are treated by the judicial system. This is powerful knowledge and expertise. They understand the danger, inhumanity and ineffectiveness of using incarceration as a solution for addressing drug use, mental health needs, and poverty in our communities.
Elect public defenders in Jefferson County
Jefferson County has never had a public defender serve on our circuit court - and this year, we can change that. In the primaries on May 24th, 2022, there are two public defenders running for the circuit court. Sign up to join our movement to elect a public defender today, and start chipping away at this longtime problem! Read more and sign up below.
GET INVOLVED TO BALANCE THE BENCH!
In order to see justice, we need to be in this together. Volunteer to canvass or phone bank with us to elect Paul Rand and Tiara Hudson in the Democratic Primaries for Circuit Court Judge on May 24th, 2022.
About Paul
About Tiara
About Tiara
Paul is a trial and appellate lawyer for the Jefferson County Public Defender’s Office who knows that ordinary people’s lives are turned upside down when they have to deal with the criminal justice system. His career has been dedicated to criminal justice, and he will treat everyone who comes before the court with respect and dignity.
Find out more about Paul Rand at rand4judge.com.
About Tiara
About Tiara
About Tiara
Tiara was born in raised in West Birmingham, and currently serves as Deputy Chief Public Defender with the Jefferson County Public Defender’s Office. She is a firm believer that socioeconomic status should not dictate your treatment in the courtroom, and has dedicated her career to protecting the rights of precious children and advocating for voiceless adults.
Find out more about Tiara Hudson at tiarahudson.com.
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