Orleans Public Defenders Earn Human Rights Award

Posted October 23, 2009

On October 22, 2009, the Orleans Public Defenders Office was awarded the Frederick Douglass Human Rights Award from the Southern Center for Human Rights (SCHR). Derwyn Bunton and Retired Chief District Judge Calvin Johnson received the award in Washington, DC.

The award was given to recognize the Orleans Public Defenderºs outstanding contribution to human rights in the criminal justice system. SCHR Director Lisa Kung said, "The Orleans Public Defenders' four-year battle to stay true to, and improve upon, the officeºs post-Katrina inspiration is an inspiration to the many public defender offices that are struggling to do right by their clients in the face of tremendous pressures to do otherwise." LPDB congratulates the entire staff of the Orleans Public Defenders on this well-deserved recognition and apologies for the tardiness of the announcement.