MONROE, La. (KNOE) - Public defenders from all over Louisiana participated in training in Monroe to make sure that when the final gavel bangs, their clients will be represented as best as possible.

The University of Louisiana Monroe Public Defender Training Academy started when former Louisiana Governor John bel Edwards signed Senate Bill 206 in 2022. The bill encourages the development and training of public defenders across the state.

Defense attorney and ULM political science professor Bob Noel said the academy is a way to serve the low-income community in Louisiana. Noel added that college students are invited to join the training.

One of Noel’s current trainees said that the program has taught her more than just how to win a case.

“I think, really, just the day-to-day of what to e

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