March 31, 2008

ID: "second-class justice"

From the Times-News editorial board:

The quality of justice isn't the same across Idaho

If you're charged with a crime and can't afford a lawyer, the county will pay one to defend you. Trouble is, Twin Falls County public defenders handle nine times more cases than their counterparts in Blaine County - who also earn more money. So defendants in Twin Falls County don't get the representation they'd receive 60 miles up the road in Hailey...


We can all use more funding, but I'm not sure that propagating the line that

"every day in Idaho busy public defenders cut corners simply because they don't have time and resources to conduct a robust defense"


is the way to build public support for indigent defense.

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