Alderman will be missed

The city of Nashville lost someone truly special this weekend.

Public Defender Ross Alderman was killed in a motorcycle accident Saturday. Alderman, 56, is survived by his wife Patricia J. Cottrell, a judge on the Tennessee Court of Appeals, and a son, Noah.

There is perhaps no other job, elected or appointed, more difficult in this city or in any jurisdiction than to lead the public defender’s office. Alderman performed his duties as our public defender with zeal, creativity and passion since taking the office in 1999.

Alderman’s commitment to the law and to our justice system was a shining example for all members of the bar. Prior to becoming the public defender, Alderman served as deputy public defender for seven years and had been with the office for over 20 years. Before that, he was an assistant United States attorney and an assistant federal public defender. His decision to serve the public through the justice system was something he honored for decades before his death.

Each person, regardless of his or her station in life, is promised equal protection under the law. Public defenders are the last line of defense for those who can least afford legal representation. Public defenders make sure that each of their clients are afforded due process and receive a zealous defense of their inalienable rights despite the fact they are accused of a crime and likely have no financial means to defend their case in court.

Being a city’s public defender is often a thankless job. Alderman’s predecessor, Mayor Karl Dean, was criticized during his own run for mayor last year for being a successful public defender. It is not always a politically rewarding office to hold.

However, Alderman pursued the job with a real desire to serve people in our society who very few in any position of power will help or aid. During his time in office and his years as a defense attorney, Alderman worked to better the system and make it more intelligent and more effective not only for the accused but for the public as a whole. He implemented programs that helped make more sense of a justice system that often confounds the most intelligent observer. He worked through special programs from his office to serve clients with substance abuse and mental health issues.

The justice that so many in our society say they crave does not come without ardent legal representation on both sides of a case. Though the public often thinks only of the prosecution in a criminal trial, without a public defender in many cases justice could not be served regardless of the verdict.

Perhaps it is Dean’s words that best sum up what Alderman meant to this city and what his office means to the notion of fair play and ethics in our judicial system.

“Ross is the thread that runs through the modern history of the Public Defender’s Office,” Dean said, “…As a city, we owe him deep thanks for his matchless dedication to justice and public service. It was a privilege to have been his friend and colleague.”

His staff has pledged to carry on Alderman’s vision and determination. They said his leadership may have been cut short, but his legacy will be that of ensuring justice for the least among us. The thoughts and prayers of The City Paper’s staff are with Alderman’s family and friends.