Defender, Chief Public

County

CORE PURPOSE:

Establish Justice

Quick Facts

Holder(s):

Mark Kopinski (assume)

Term:

Varies

Method:

Appointed

Level:

County

Oath Administered By:

Circuit Court Judge

Role Overview

Oversees public defender office, manages caseloads, supervises attorneys, ensures indigent defendants receive legal representation, and develops defense strategies in Indiana courts.

Constitutional Mandate:

Ensures right to counsel (U.S. Const. Amend. VI; Ind. Const. Art. 1, Sec. 13).

Key Competencies:

Legal expertise, empathy, and dedication to justice.

Potential Weaknesses:

Overwhelming caseloads or insufficient funding, which can compromise the quality of legal representation.

I solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will support the Constitution of the United States and the Constitution of the State of Indiana, and that I will faithfully and impartially discharge the duties of the office of Chief Public Defender to the best of my ability. So help me God.