Vote — approved

Thomas Galvin	yes
Kate Brophy McGee	yes
Mark Stewart	yes
Steve Gallardo	yes
Debbie Lesko	absent

Ayes: Thomas Galvin, Kate Brophy McGee, Mark Stewart, Steve Gallardo Absent: Debbie Lesko

Item Text

5. PROCLAMATION PUBLIC DEFENSE RECOGNITION WEEK Proclaim the week of March 17, 2025, as Public Defense Recognition Week. WHEREAS, March 18, 2025, marks the 62nd anniversary of the United States Supreme Court's decision in Gideon v. Wainwright; and WHEREAS, on March 18, 1963, the United States Supreme Court ruled in Gideon that the United States Constitution's Sixth Amendment right to the assistance of counsel is essential to a fair trial, and requires the appointment of counsel for indigent defendants accused of felonies in state court; and WHEREAS, the Supreme Court recognized in Gideon that " ... lawyers in criminal courts are necessities, not luxuries;" and WHEREAS, Maricopa County upholds and affirms the guarantee of the Sixth Amendment's right to counsel, recognizing counsel as essential to the fairness of criminal proceedings; and WHEREAS, Maricopa County Public Defense Services' attorneys and support staff continue to work tirelessly to provide essential, constitutionally-guaranteed legal services to those who would not otherwise have access to representation; and WHEREAS, Maricopa County Public Defense Services not only represents its clients but also upholds the rights set forth in the United States Constitution. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Maricopa County Board of Supervisors does hereby proclaim that the week of March 17, 2025, shall be recognized as "Public Defense Recognition Week" in appreciation of the essential role played by the attorneys and staff of Public Defense Services in upholding the Sixth Amendment guarantee of counsel and protecting the fundamental right to a fair trial. (C-56-25-004-X-00)

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