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Classmate reply 1

Probably the most talked about and controversial Judicial related news story currently is the trial of Kyle Rittenhouse in Kenosha, Wisconsin. On August 25th 2020 Rittenhouse traveled to Kenosha Wisconsin to provide security for local businesses and provide medical aid in preparation for civil unrest that was unfolding in the city (NPR 2021). On that night he was involved in an altercation with protesters. Rittenhouse states that one of the protesters made death threats to him and while he was attempting to distinguish a fire that protester chased him and grabbed his rifle (NPR 2021). During the altercation he shot and killed two people and wounded a third person. From Rittenhouse's point of view he was acting in self defense. The prosecutor has charged him with two counts of murder, one count of attempted murder and two additional counts of reckless endangerment with a deadly weapon (NPR 2021). The prosecutions case however is not going well as their star witness, the individual wounded from Rittenhouse, testified that he lunged toward Rittenhouse with a handgun pointed toward Rittenhouse in the moments before he was shot in his arm. This gave validity to Rittenhouse's claims of being in fear of his own life at the time and therefore a valid self defense claim.

In response to the nationwide spotlight on Kenosha in the aftermath of this terrible event I can see there being public policy implications. Something that I feel could potentially be changed or more of an emphasis on is the City of Kenosha's ordinances pertaining to unlawful assembly and rioting. For example they may increase the punishment range for individuals found in violation of these ordinances or they could change their police department policies in regard to response and containment of these highly volatile incidents to prevent further tragedies. 

Sullivan, Becky. (2021) NPR.com. Defense calls for mistrial as Kyle Rittenhouse takes the stand in his homicide trial. Retrieved from:https://www.npr.org/2021/11/10/1054313132/kyle-rittenhouse-testimony-kenosha

Classmate reply 2

This article describes the different changes and commitments that the public defenders are making in order to offer individuals who are hispanic a better legal representation when in court. This is an attempt to allow those individuals who are from minority races to be afforded the same opportunity and to be able to have competent, reliable and better legal representation. As stated in this article there are many different obstacles that hispanics face when in the involvement of a criminal case, many times these individuals aren't always given the best legal representation which results in a higher incarceration rate. As stated in the text, "Cuauhtemoc’s diverse background has shaped his values and given him an understanding of the challenges the community we serve face,” said Karlin, who is now the Central District’s chief deputy federal public defender. “As a line attorney, he put the clients first by vigorously litigating their cases and treating everyone with respect and kindness. Now as the leader of the office, he ensures that every employee does the same.” Appointed to head the office during the global pandemic, Ortega had to navigate uncharted territory as the coronavirus posed unprecedented threats to clients’ safety and constitutional rights. The right to counsel for those who cannot afford an attorney is guaranteed under the Sixth Amendment and the Criminal Justice Act. “The past year has brought many challenges to our office, requiring that we develop solutions that both keep our clients’ cases moving forward while also keeping everyone safe in the process,” Ortega said. “I am honored and humbled that I get to lead an office fervently committed to providing our clients with the highest quality representation even when faced with daunting obstacles"( United States Courts, p. 13-15)." This is an individual who believes there are changes that can be implemented, but even though is a change that needs to be made, it will need a large number of public defenders to be knowledgeable enough to have the best interest for the individual. 

Works Cited

United States Courts. “Federal Defender Committed to Improving Hispanic Representation in the Legal Field.” United States Courts, 7 Oct. 2021, www.uscourts.gov/news/2021/10/07/federal-defender-committed-improving-hispanic-representation-legal-field.