People are forced to pack up their belongings in carts and wagons near the Salt Lake City Library, Monday, Dec. 23, 2019.One thing both public defenders and librarians have in common is addressing major societal challenges that fall outside their normal job descriptions. This is true across the nation and right here in Salt Lake City. As a public defender who has practiced in multiple jurisdictions, I have seen evidence of this trend time and time again.
Issues that are pervasive in our communities — such as mental health, substance addiction and homelessness — often show up at the courthouse or library doorstep. These institutions are often the only available resources to address serious and chronic problems related to health care and housing. This is evidence of a broken system that fails to make common sense considerations for its most vulnerable populations.
For example, one of my clients had to choose between asking for release to probation or going to prison. This should not be a complicated choice. But for my client, it meant the difference between receiving life-saving cancer treatment while in prison or not receiving any treatment on probation. Health care to save her life was only accessible in the criminal legal system, which is sadly normal for people who are poor.
A substantial portion of criminal cases have a foundation on unstable or virtually nonexistent community support, especially when it comes to health care. Consider this: Most people with mental health issues are