On this episode of The Attorney Post, Jacqueline Goodman takes center stage, sharing her experiences as a criminal defense attorney and advocate for systemic change in the legal system. Goodman has earned widespread recognition for her impactful work, including her leadership role as the former president of California Attorneys for Criminal Justice. Her commitment to criminal defense is deeply personal, having shaped a career that goes beyond traditional legal representation. For Goodman, it is a calling rooted in the belief that the law must protect the most vulnerable and marginalized members of society.
From the outset, Goodman emphasizes the immense responsibility that comes with defending clients accused of criminal activity. Criminal defense, in her view, is not simply about winning cases but ensuring that individuals receive a fair trial and protection from unjust sentencing. She points out that defense attorneys play a vital role in balancing the scales of justice by preventing overly harsh punishments that dehumanize defendants.
One of her concerns centers on how society tends to judge individuals based solely on their alleged crimes, neglecting the complex personal circumstances that led them to the courtroom. Goodman is particularly troubled by the broader impact this dehumanization has on communities, fostering a culture that prioritizes punishment over rehabilitation. She sees criminal defense as a vehicle for restoring the dignity of the accused, especially those from underprivileged backgrounds who often lack adequate legal resources.
Goodman’s passion for social justice is deeply personal. She recounts the heart-wrenching story of her brother, who suffered from mental illness and addiction and ultimately died while homeless in Santa Monica. His death, which occurred just before Goodman graduated from law school, profoundly shaped her approach to the law. Her brother’s tragic situation highlighted the systemic failures in supporting individuals with mental health challenges, a cause she continues to champion in her legal practice.
Her early interest in representing those who could not afford legal counsel demonstrates her dedication to leveling the playing field. For Goodman, defending marginalized groups, including the homeless and mentally ill, is more than a professional duty—it’s a personal mission born out of loss and grief.
One of the key areas Goodman specializes in is defending individuals accused of sex crimes. This complex area of law requires more than a legal approach, and Goodman uses her knowledge of behavioral sciences to understand the underlying psychological factors at play. She explains that accusations of sex crimes are often shrouded in societal stigma and misunderstanding, and her in-depth study of psychology has allowed her to see these cases through a more empathetic lens.
This understanding, she argues, is essential in criminal defense. It helps her navigate cases that are often emotionally charged and marked by preconceived notions of guilt, providing her clients with the defense they deserve. Goodman calls for the criminal justice system to shift away from a purely punitive approach and instead focus on prevention and rehabilitation, using an understanding of human behavior to address root causes of criminal conduct.
Like many attorneys, Goodman faced new challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic. Fortunately, her firm was already equipped for remote work, allowing a smoother transition when courts went virtual. However, Goodman expressed concern about the effectiveness of Zoom trials, particularly when it came to juror engagement and the risk of jurors being influenced by outside information. Despite these hurdles, she found that defense teams adapted well, but the experience underscored the importance of in-person connection in legal proceedings.
One of Goodman’s most notable cases involves Chelsea Becker, a woman charged with murder due to the outcome of her pregnancy. This case raised important questions about women’s rights and the extent to which the law should intervene in pregnancy outcomes. Goodman successfully fought to overturn this charge, leading to a legal precedent in California that prevents the prosecution of women for pregnancy-related deaths.
This case highlights Goodman’s advocacy for women's rights and her willingness to challenge laws that disproportionately affect vulnerable groups. It’s an example of how legal cases can have far-reaching effects on public policy, influencing future legislation and protecting individual rights.
Goodman also speaks about the troubling issue of solitary confinement in U.S. prisons. She expresses concern about the inhumane conditions faced by inmates, some of whom have been in solitary confinement for over 40 years. For Goodman, this practice amounts to torture, leaving lasting psychological and physical damage on individuals.
She advocates for prison reform that focuses on rehabilitation and the humane treatment of inmates. Goodman believes that the current system, which prioritizes punishment over reform, does little to make society safer. Instead, it exacerbates issues like mental illness and recidivism, perpetuating cycles of crime and incarceration.
As she reflects on her career, Goodman shares personal insights about self-doubt and imposter syndrome. Despite her impressive achievements, she admits that early in her career, she struggled with feelings of unworthiness. Her advice to younger attorneys is to trust their instincts and abilities, as confidence is crucial in the practice of law.
Goodman’s journey is a testament to the power of perseverance, empathy, and the relentless pursuit of justice. Her work continues to inspire change, both within the legal profession and in broader societal discussions about criminal justice reform.
The Law Offices of Jacqueline Goodman
712 N. Harbor Blvd.
Fullerton, CA 92832
714-266-3945
Online at: The Law Offices of Jacqueline Goodman
