Pleading the Sixth: King County, Washington (Seattle) released a plan for the reorganization of its right to counsel system. Long-regarded as an indigent defense “best practice” jurisdiction, the County proposes to eliminate independence while transitioning the staff of the four…
Tag: standards – system
Independence jeopardized with public defender reorganization plan in King County, Washington
Tagged with: commissions, county systems, independence, standards - system, Ten Principles, Washington
DOJ announces an agreement with Shelby County, Tennessee (Memphis) to reform juvenile justice system
Pleading the Sixth: On December 18, 2012, the U.S. Department of Justice announced an agreement with Shelby County, Tennessee (Memphis) to usher in major reforms of the county’s juvenile court system and the method for representing children in delinquency proceedings.…
New Mexico legislature begins work on public defender commission bill
Pleading the Sixth: On November 6, 2012, the New Mexico electorate passed a constitutional amendment requiring the creation of an independent public defender commission. In anticipation of the next legislative session, the House Committee for the Courts, Corrections and Justice…
Michigan Governor’s Advisory Commission recommends sweeping changes
Pleading the Sixth: On June 22, 2012, a high-profile, bi-partisan commission appointed by Michigan Governor Rick Snyder unanimously adopted a set of findings and recommendations that will change the way the state provides right to counsel services, if legislatively passed in…
Understanding the GAO Report on Indigent Defense
Pleading the Sixth: On May 9, 2012, the United States Government Accountability Office (GAO) released its report on the right to counsel in America. According to the GAO, only a very small percentage of federal funding dedicated to enhancing state…
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