Public Defenders: Pragmatic and Political Motivations to Represent the Indigent (Criminal Justice) [Hardcover]

Michael Scott Weiss (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 159332068X | ISBN-13: 978-1593320683 | Publication Date: December 15, 2004

Weiss finds that public defenders’ motivations may be "pragmatic" and include the opportunity for trials or the lifestyle advantages that come with government legal work. Others may be "political" -- the desire to give meaning to constitutional protections, the altruistic urge to help others, or the chance to confront police, prosecutors and judges who many public defenders believe treat their clients unfairly. These sentiments arise frequently and their expression suggests that they comprise a mindset unique to public defenders. While critics claim that public defenders lack the dedication to represent poor clients effectively, Weiss concludes that many are passionate about their work, seeing it as a way to challenge the mistreatment they believe their clients suffer.

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About the Author

Michael Scott Weiss received his J.D. in 1994 from Brooklyn Law School and his Ph.D. in 2003 from the School of Criminal Justice at the University at Albany. He is currently Assistant Professor of Law and Justice Studies at Rowan University in Glassboro, New Jersey. His research interests include the behavior and perceptions of public defenders, the criminal courts in general, and qualitative research methodologies.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 303 pages
• Publisher: Lfb Scholarly Pub Llc (December 15, 2004)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 159332068X
• ISBN-13: 978-1593320683
• Product Dimensions: 8.5 x 5.7 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #3,491,617 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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