New Ethical Knowledge

During week 8 while I was filing at the 46th Street office, I overheard a public defender freaking-out about a referral. I was in a back room, so I didn't get to see the faces, but I distinctly remember the dialogue. "Ugh! I can't take that case! (Continued groans to attract the attention of passers-by) Look at the chart! 'Torturing or killing animals'- I don't want that case!" The public defender made it clear that she wanted nothing to do with a client who may have tortured or killed animals in his/her past. I realize that this client's actions lie well within the range of "immoral" for many individuals, but the reaction from this public defender scared me a little bit. Every client has a right to be defended because, not only are they are innocent until proven guilty, but they require adequate representation in court. Torturing animals is a huge red-flag for abuse, which is no excuse to commit crimes, but hurting animals is sometimes the only outlet for individuals (especially minors) who do not have access to or knowledge of therapeutic options. I never heard the PD say she wouldn't take the case, nor did I hear her place a request for another PD. However, I learned from my supervisor that she is required by law to have a different public defender aid the client since she would be biased. I also remember learning about such ethical dilemmas in an earlier social work class. I'm already learning what I can and can't handle emotionally because of my own family history. I might have too much of a soft spot for kids to be the person to defend of sexual molester, for instance. Ethical issues are of grave importance to define before entering any field of social work.