Francis Zarro

The greatest crime of all in a civilized society is an unjust conviction. It is truly a scandal that reflects unfavorably on all participants in the criminal justice system. — The New York Appellate Division, First Department, People v. Ramos, 1994. Sketch of a seated man (c. 1901 - 1907) by Franz Kafka There’s a dark story unfolding in the state of Maine. Many Mainers know something about it, but few appreciate its full extent. Lots of people in our state have heard of Dennis Dechaine, the...

Today is Good Friday, a day that not only followers of Jesus, but people of all faiths and beliefs, can join in solidarity in recognition of the one common denominator that unites us all: pain.

I have been asked from time to time why I am so passionate about the issue of public defense, and why so much of our work at Society Impact, which is detailed on our site, is dedicated to it. For me, it’s very personal.