7.2 KiB
Quite Possibly the Most Racist Article You Will Ever Read
Written by Allen West
December 29, 2014
Introduction
Every now and then you come across an article that folks just need to read. This one, written by Michael Smith and entitled “Confessions of a Public Defender,” originally posted at American Renaissance on May 9, 2014, is presented as one such article.
It is framed as a profound and deeply disturbing piece, offered in the context of reflecting on crime, race, and public policy, particularly in light of the legacy of the Great Society initiatives of President Lyndon Baines Johnson.
Smith asserts that the discussion on race should move away from victimhood narratives and toward what he characterizes as uncomfortable realities based on his professional experience.
Source Context
Smith begins by describing his work as a public defender in a large southern metropolitan area:
“I am a public defender in a large southern metropolitan area. Fewer than ten percent of the people in the area I serve are black but over 90 percent of my clients are black. The remaining ten percent are mainly Hispanics but there are a few whites.”
“I have no explanation for why this is, but crime has racial patterns. Hispanics usually commit two kinds of crime: sexual assault on children and driving under the influence. Blacks commit many violent crimes but very few sex crimes. The handful of whites I see commit all kinds of crimes. In my many years as a public defender I have represented only three Asians, and one was half black.”
Smith states that these observations are based solely on his personal experience representing defendants.
Early Career and Media Perception
As a young lawyer, Smith writes that he believed what he describes as the “official story” regarding race, poverty, and crime. He says his real-world experience conflicted sharply with those beliefs.
He claims that the media routinely minimize or omit unflattering facts in crime reporting, particularly when the accused is black, and that this contributed to what he describes as a distorted public understanding.
Life Inside the Courthouse
Smith describes the courthouse as a place where, despite blacks being a small percentage of the surrounding community, they constitute the overwhelming majority of defendants, families, and victims present.
He contrasts the behavior and demeanor of defendants and families by race, describing differences in dress, conduct, and interactions with legal professionals.
Client Interactions
When appointed to represent a client, Smith explains that he introduces himself, outlines the court process, and asks basic questions. He states that he can often predict how clients will respond based on race.
He describes Hispanics and whites as polite and deferential, while portraying black clients as informal, dismissive, and hostile. He claims communication often must be simplified and that impatience is common.
Smith further asserts that black clients frequently view him not as an advocate but as part of an adversarial system.
Understanding the Law
Smith describes repeated conflicts arising from clients challenging his legal knowledge, often relying on incorrect information from other inmates.
He claims that attempts to explain statutes, sentencing guidelines, and evidence are frequently met with suspicion or anger.
The Risks of Trial
The Constitution grants defendants three critical decisions:
- Whether to plead guilty or not guilty
- Whether to choose a bench or jury trial
- Whether to testify or remain silent
Smith states that testifying is usually a grave mistake, particularly for defendants he describes as lacking communication skills and emotional control.
He claims prosecutors welcome black defendants taking the stand, while cross-examining black victims can sometimes benefit the defense due to juror perceptions.
Evidence and Plea Decisions
Smith explains that most criminal cases do not go to trial because the evidence is often overwhelming. He states that plea bargains are frequently in the defendant’s best interest.
He recounts examples where defendants reject legal advice despite strong evidence, reacting with anger and accusing him of working with the prosecution.
Perspective and Empathy
Smith argues that many of his black clients are unable to view situations from perspectives other than their own. He presents this as a reason for both criminal behavior and poor courtroom outcomes.
He provides an anecdote involving a robbery where a client expressed no remorse for the victims, reinforcing his claim.
Family Structure
Smith states that many defendants lack fathers and, in some cases, meaningful parental figures at all. He describes mothers and grandmothers as disconnected from legal realities and prone to emotional outbursts.
He recounts instances where family members insist on going to trial despite overwhelming evidence, often citing religious faith as justification.
Welfare and Dependency
Smith claims that many of his clients do not work or attend school and rely on public assistance through family members.
He asserts that this creates a culture with no expectations, responsibility, or shame.
Courtroom Appearance and Conduct
Smith notes repeated difficulties persuading clients to dress appropriately for court, citing examples of clothing choices he characterizes as offensive or inappropriate.
His office, he states, often provides formal clothing for jury trials.
Recidivism
Smith addresses incarceration statistics, arguing that high imprisonment rates are driven by repeat offenses rather than systemic injustice.
He describes multiple felony convictions before age 30 as common among black defendants and rare among other racial groups.
“At one time our office was looking for a motto that defined our philosophy. Someone joked that it should be: ‘Doesn’t everyone deserve an eleventh chance?’”
Political Views and Final Assertions
Smith identifies himself as a liberal and expresses belief in social welfare and compassion. However, he reiterates his belief that racial differences in behavior are real and consequential.
He concludes by stating that public discourse should be grounded in what he considers truth rather than comforting narratives.
“I do not know the solution to this problem. I do know that it is wrong to deceive the public. Whatever solutions we seek should be based on the truth rather than what we would prefer was the truth.”
End of document
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