ArchCity Defenders

ArchCity Defenders
Established2009; 16 years ago (2009)
FoundersThomas Harvey, Michael-John Voss, and John McAnnar
TypeNon-profit
PurposeCombat the criminalization of poverty and state violence, especially in communities of color
Location
ServicesCivil and criminal legal representation, social services, impact litigation, policy and media advocacy, and community collaboration
Executive Director
Blake Strode
Award(s)Thomas Merton Award
Websitearchcitydefenders.org

ArchCity Defenders (ACD) is a legal advocacy organization in St. Louis, Missouri.

History

ArchCity Defenders was co-founded by three graduates of St. Louis University School of Law in 2009, modeled after The Bronx Defenders, to address gaps in civic and criminal justice services.[1] ACD primarily operated on volunteer service and donated office space. They expanded operations in 2013 through a contract from mayor Francis Slay's initiative to end chronic homelessness.[2]

In 2017, Blake Strode was named the new executive director after two years on staff through the Skadden Fellowship.[2]

In 2018, ACD was awarded the Thomas Merton Award.[3]

Activities

Between 2015 and 2018, ACD filed class action lawsuits against seven cities in St. Louis County for civil rights violations, reaching a settlement of over $20 million.[4] Lawsuits describe the violations as a debtors' prison scheme in which plaintiffs were charged with minor infractions and held in prison when unable to pay cash bail without due process.[5] In 2024, ACD produced a report on St. Louis municipal courts demonstrating the impact of reforms and presenting an argument for court consolidation.[4]

In 2018–2020, ACD participated in the Close the Workhouse campaign.[6]

References

  1. ^ Fenske, Sarah (November 7, 2019). "ArchCity Defenders Celebrates 10 Years Of Advocacy, Growth". St. Louis Public Radio. Retrieved 9 August 2024.
  2. ^ a b Wicentowski, Danny. "For ArchCity Defenders' New Director, Blake Strode, Home Is Where the Injustice Was". Riverfront Times. Retrieved 2024-08-15.
  3. ^ Danielson, J. Ryne (2018-11-29). "Civil Rights Law Firm ArchCity Defenders Wins Thomas Merton Award". St. Louis, MO Patch. Retrieved 2024-08-09.
  4. ^ a b Henderson, Andrea Y. (July 25, 2024). "ArchCity Defenders pushes to consolidate St. Louis' municipal court system". St. Louis Public Radio. Retrieved 9 August 2024.
  5. ^ Medina, Eduardo (April 12, 2023). "Missouri City to Pay $3.25 Million to Settle 'Debtors' Prison' Lawsuit". New York Times. Retrieved 9 August 2024.
  6. ^ Sharma, Mihir; Randall, Clark (July 25, 2020). "St. Louis's Shameful Workhouse Jail Must Be Shut Down". Jacobin. Retrieved 9 August 2024.