Origin of our handle "TRUSTEES OF FREEDOM"

Criminal Defense Lawyer "Racehorse Hains" of Houston spoke to the Louisiana Trial Lawyers in the 1980's,  noting that the Public Defender is the first line in defense of Due Process and the Right to Counsel.  He dubbed them "Trustees of Freedom" because they hold the Bill of Rights up to the face of Criminal Justice, and remind the Judges and the D.A.'s and the politicians of the sacred legacy of the founding fathers by fighting for the rights of their clients.  At one point in his talk,  Hains noted that the courageous Trial Lawyer insists on the rule of law,  "and doesn't care if it hairlips everybody in the courthouse!"  

The moniker was a long standing title for the printed LaPDA Newsletter,  and has now moved to the 21st Century version,  the website,  and the annual 'Trustees of Freedom' awards honoring the service provided by the Public Defenders in Louisiana.