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PROCLAMATION Public Defense Recognition Week March 2024 WHEREAS, March 18, 2024, marks the 61st 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 18, 2024, 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. DA TED this ____ Day of March, 2024. Attest: ____________________________ ___________________________________ Jack Sellers, Chairman, District 1 ___________________________________ Thomas Galvin, Vice Chairman, District 2 ___________________________________ Bill Gates, Supervisor, District 3 ___________________________________ Clint Hickman, Supervisor, District 4 ___________________________________ Steve Gallardo, Supervisor, District 5 Juanita Garza, Clerk of the Board