For the Defense - Vol. 7, Issue 2 - 4

OPENING
STATEMENT
Patrick A. Casey, PACDL President
C
onsilium Ad Defensionem. " Counsel for the
defense " is a title of honor gained by all of
us because of our hard work, sacrifice, and
commitment. Its importance is underscored in James
Madison's greatest work. There is one reference to
counsel in the United States Constitution, and it is not
to the Attorney General. " In all criminal prosecutions,
the accused shall enjoy . . . the Assistance of Counsel for
his defence. " U.S. Const. amend. VI. The opportunity
to fight for an individual's freedom is a tremendous
privilege, as well as a responsibility we all enjoy.
The elevation of Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson to
the United States Supreme Court follows a lifetime of
service to others as a judge and as a lawyer. In addition
to becoming the first Black woman on the Court, she is
the first federal public defender to serve on the Court.
The PACDL's Bylaws identify the following as its
first purpose: to " foster, maintain, and encourage the
integrity, independence, and expertise of the defense
lawyer in criminal cases. " PACDL Bylaws, Art. 2(a).
This organization has been the trusted companion
to thousands of criminal defense lawyers since
1988. Whether it is the statewide recognition of the
PACDL Amicus Committee work, or the individual's
appreciation for the Lawyers Assistance Strike Force
when facing a threat of contempt, PACDL provides
crucially relevant support for the professional practice
of criminal defense in Pennsylvania.
We are just breaking through the haze of COVID
restrictions in society and in courtrooms. Thankfully
to tremendous leadership by Peter Kratsa and Beth
Winters, PACDL is stronger and more financially stable
than it has ever been. The Education Committee
4 For The Defense l Vol. 7, Issue 2
Finally, permit me a brief introduction of myself.
I am the son of a military family. We moved about
every three years. Walking into a new courthouse
is much like going to a new school. There will be
mastered the technology of providing cutting-edge
webinars without interruption. The large attendance
at the Annual Conference in April supports optimism
that we are on the verge of a great year.
Our goals for this year are to build on the remarkable
accomplishments of the past, continue the present
trends of growing membership support and committee
leadership, and develop a strong plan for the future.
Together, we can make a generational difference
through PACDL.
To achieve these goals, PACDL will need to redouble
efforts to recruit writers and speakers from within
our membership, and affirmatively reach outside of
PACDL to attract those who are not yet members.
Volunteering to write an article in For The Defense
places a lawyer in the company of other great lawyers
and provides a platform for recognition of one's
talents.
The recent elections of the slate of officers
demonstrates the statewide impact of PACDL:
Wana Saadzoi, President-Elect, from Media; Brian
McMonagle, Vice-President Eastern District, from
Philadelphia;
Jason Dunkle, Vice-President Middle
District, from State College; Jonathan Fodi, VicePresident
Western District, from Rosslyn Farms; Edward
Spreha Jr., Treasurer, from Harrisburg; and Michael T.
Winters, Secretary, from Lancaster. Each officer brings
outstanding leadership skills to the mission of PACDL.
For the Defense - Vol. 7, Issue 2

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