Public defenders often possess deep knowledge of systemic injustices within the criminal legal system but may not have the time or resources to pursue legislative reforms. In collaboration with public defenders, Samuelson Clinic students can help bridge this gap by conducting research to support broader policy solutions at the intersection of criminal justice and technology.
In this project, students partnered with the Alameda County Public Defender’s Office to explore legislation related to surveillance of its incarcerated clients. The team interviewed a wide range of stakeholders, including public defenders, activists, and formerly incarcerated individuals.
Each student took ownership of a key component of the project. One student, for example, researched related laws and policies nationwide, while another studied the technical aspects of the issue, drawing on interviews with scientific experts and relevant scholarship. The students then produced client-facing memoranda answering complex legal and policy questions and presented the work to the Alameda County Public Defender’s Office.