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.