WA: ragged edge

First with an article, then with an editorial, the Olympian scrutinizes the misdemeanor caseload of the Thurston County public defenders office. The editors say it's gotten out of hand:

The real answer rests with the state Legislature. Counties struggling to provide adequate public defense to indigent defendants need some state funding to do the job.

For lawmakers and local officials to turn a blind eye to the problem is an invitation for a lawsuit and injustice.