Bargain-basement justice

In Ken Lammers' commonwealth, fees for court-appointed private attorneys representing indigent clients "cap at $428 for a felony which maxes at less than 20 years and $1,186 if the punishment maxes at between 21 years and life"

(if there is a preliminary hearing the attorney will also get $112 for that).

Now you might think that this

statutory compensation scheme causes a conflict of interest because it creates a financial disincentive for a lawyer to effectively represent his or her client.

His local court of appeals disagrees. As happens not so infrequently, Mr. Lammers has the more persuasive argument.