Date of Conferral
8-12-2026
Date of Award
August 2026
Degree
Doctor of Human Services (D.H.S.)
School
Human Services
Advisor
Barbara Benoliel
Abstract
Public defenders in a southern state continue to face significant challenges when representing Black individuals in the criminal justice system, particularly in cases involving erroneous prosecution. These challenges are intensified by high caseloads, limited funding, and systemic inequities, which can be stressors affecting the prosecutors wellbeing and hinder the provision of adequate legal representation. Public defenders, appointed to represent indigent defendants, frequently navigate complex legal and social circumstances that intersect with racial disparities in the justice system. For this qualitative study the research question was, how do public defenders perceive and manage any stresses representing erroneous prosecution cases in the Black community in a southern state? The experiences of eleven defenders in the state who represent Black clients facing wrongful charges or convictions were collected in an online survey one interview, and narrative data were analyzed using thematic analysis within a framework of critical race theory. Six themes emerged from analysis: 1) systemic racial bias and presumption of guilt, 2) emotional burden and moral frustration, 3) pressure to plead and systemic coercion, 4) resource limitations within public defense, 5) advocacy through investigation and constitutional challenges and, 6) limited emotional support and coping mechanisms. Findings from this research may have social impact by enhancing the understanding of how structural and operational factors influence public defenders’ work and the outcomes for marginalized clients.
Recommended Citation
Stephens, Kayla Kristine, "Public Defenders’ Challenges Representing Erroneous Prosecution Cases in the Black Community" (2026). Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies. 20620.
https://scholarworks.waldenu.edu/dissertations/20620
