Defense attorneys must confront their own bias before fixing the system

Evidence

We recognize that criminal defense attorneys are often beleaguered, belittled, and besieged, and we are mindful that we are asking them to acknowledge the possibility of bias in their behavior and figure out if changes need to be made. This is a significant request. At the same time, we know that the CJS is deeply unjust (Alexander, 2010), and it is a fact that criminal defense attorneys are major actors in the system. This is why it is of paramount importance that we call out our own biases—bias in criminal defense attorneys and investigators—and discuss them within the defense bar, with clients, and with the public. If criminal defense attorneys are to be a force for correcting criminal justice inequity, they must start by addressing bias within their own ranks. — Joseph Avery, Jim Sidanius, Joel Cooper, Gregory Davis, Amanda N., Bias in the Law, 703