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Public defense across the West suffers deep-rooted, decades-old problems. States have two solutions to consider: dole out more cash or shrink the criminal justice system.
Judges or elected officials in many counties nationwide have full oversight over public defense, a structure that can pressure public defenders to avoid making motions that may agitate a judge.
Public defense across the West suffers deep-rooted, decades-old problems. States have two solutions to consider: dole out more cash or shrink the criminal justice system.
“It’s a system that encourages unethical behavior," said one public defense attorney. "...It’s most certainly not justice. No one feels like it’s justice.”
“It’s a system that encourages unethical behavior," said one public defense attorney. "...It’s most certainly not justice. No one feels like it’s justice.”