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Protecting a Public Defenders’ First Amendment Rights in Montgomery County, PA

Hudson v. Montgomery County

In early February 2020, Plaintiff Keisha Hudson, who was then Deputy Chief Public Defender for Montgomery County, Pennsylvania, directed the filing of an amicus brief challenging the money bail system. Later that month, Hudson was fired from her job. 

CRC and partners filed a lawsuit on Hudson’s behalf that alleged that she was fired in retaliation for the amicus brief, thereby violating her First Amendment rights. The case was settled for $120,000.


Media Coverage:

Fired public defenders sue, alleging Montgomery County retaliated for bail practice criticism | Philadelphia Inquirer | March 18, 2020


Partners:

Kairys, Rudovsky, Feinberg, Messing & Lin LLP


Filings:

Order Denying Motion to Dismiss (Sep 30, 2020)
Response to Motion to Dismiss (June 6, 2020)
Defendants' Motion to Dismiss (Mar 18, 2020)
Complaint (Mar 17, 2020)