YOUTH DEFENSE PROGRAM
On May 15, 1967, the United States Supreme Court handed down the pivotal youth justice case, In re Gault. The Gault ruling established that children are entitled to the same constitutional due process protections as adults. It firmly established the constitutional right to legal counsel for children facing delinquency allegations.
The Office of State Public Defender believes that a strong youth defense delivery system is essential in ensuring that:
1) all children in the Mississippi legal system have timely access to skilled, well-resourced, well-trained lawyers,
2) that all children are afforded full protection of their constitutional and statutory rights, and
3) that all children receive legal representation that is client-centered, individualized, developmentally, and age-appropriate, and free of bias.
In furtherance of those beliefs, OSPD has created their Youth Defense Program. Our Youth Defense Program began on July 1, 2024, with Brenda Locke, a former front-line youth defender and advocate as the program manager.
The Program Manager is primarily responsible for:
Providing technical assistance to trial-level youth defense attorneys in youth court.
Assisting the Training Director in the planning and execution of training events dedicated to youth court youth defense and advocacy.
Developing and delivering training presentations.
Assessing youth defense needs throughout the state through data analysis and in-court observations where possible.
Providing direct representation for youth who wish to appeal delinquency and status offense matters from the Youth Court.
Serving as the State Defender’s representative on boards or task forces as well as attending meetings regarding Youth Court matters and policy.
RESOURCES:
Trial Manual for Defense Attorneys in Juvenile Delinquency Cases
Manual for Mississippi Youth Courts
Youth Court Delinquency & Status Offense Time Guide
Program Manager Contact Information:
Brenda Locke, Youth Defense Program Manager
Email: blocke@ospd.ms.gov
Office Phone: 601-576-4206