All data is current as of 2013, unless otherwise noted.
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How the right to counsel is administered and structured
State commission: yes
Branch of government: judicial
The Minnesota Board of Public Defense is a state-funded, seven-member commission whose members are appointed by the state supreme court (4) and governor (3). The Board sets policy and oversees the delivery of public defense services in the state’s ten judicial districts.
How the right to counsel is funded
Percentage of state funding: 100%
Percentage of local funding: 0%
Percentage of alternative funding: 0%
The methods used to provide public counsel
The Minnesota Board of Public Defense (MBPD) appoints a chief public defender for each of the ten judicial districts. The chief public defender manages all public defense services within that district, whether through public defender offices or contracts or rosters of private assigned counsel. It is each chief public defender’s responsibility to ensure compliance with MBPD policies.
Legal authority
Minnesota Constitution, art. 1, § 6
Minnesota Statutes, §§ 611.14 through 611.273 (public defense), and § 611.35 (reimbursement of appointed counsel)
Source of data: original research conducted by Sixth Amendment Center staff.
