Emily Galvin Almanza, former public defender and founder of Partners For Justice, visited the Criminal and Civil Justice Institute (CCJI) at Atlanta’s John Marshall Law School (AJMLS) to speak with students about criminal justice reform. During her visit, she shared insights from her work supporting people facing criminal charges and helping public defenders protect clients from incarceration.
Galvin Almanza also discussed her book, The Price of Mercy, which explores the realities of America’s criminal courts. She highlighted how institutions that claim to deliver justice often fail the people they serve and offered ideas for systemic reform. Her talk included examples of how courts and law enforcement sometimes operate in ways that increase crime, deepen poverty, and impact public health, alongside strategies for improving outcomes and fostering community engagement.
Students engaged with her presentation and asked questions about the challenges facing public defenders, the role of advocacy in the legal system, and ways to address inequities in criminal justice. The visit provided AJMLS students with a firsthand look at the practical and ethical considerations involved in defending clients and reforming the system from within.