Harriette Bailey Conn

Biography

Harriette Bailey Conn (September 22, 1922 – August 21, 1981) was an American lawyer and politician. A civil rights activist who became known for her efforts to assist minorities, women, and defendants in Indiana's criminal justice system, Conn became the first woman and the first African American to serve as Indiana's state public defender in 1970. She also served as Indianapolis' assistant city attorney from 1968 to 1970, and twice won election to the Indiana House of Representatives (representing Marion County, Indiana, Indianapolis) as a Republican until she resigned her legislative seat to become the state public defender.

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