On behalf of the State Bar of Georgia, I offer congratulations to Northeastern Judicial Circuit Public Defender Brad Morris on receiving the 2011 Indigent Defense Award, presented by the Georgia Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers.

Poor Georgians accused of crimes, including those who are innocent, rely upon our indigent defense system to protect their constitutional rights. The rest of us look to the public defender system to protect the integrity of the judicial process.

Mr. Morris is well deserving of this prestigious honor, which recognizes his service to the people of Dawson and Hall counties, as well as his many contributions to promoting the cause of justice in our state.

The commitment of Brad Morris to ensure equal justice for all is an inspiration to his fellow Georgia lawyers as we seek to fulfill both our duty to help others and our high calling as stewards of the justice system.

Kenneth L. Shigley
President, State Bar of Georgia