Recently, the issue of providing indigent defense representation has resurfaced. In September 1988, a detailed report prepared by the Spangenberg Group2 concerning the manner and cost of indigent defense representation in Oregon was submitted to the State Court Administrator. The Committee identified the following issues for study: charging practices of district attorneys and how they affect the costs of the criminal justice system, negotiation practices of district attorneys and how they are affected by indigent defense costs, indigent defense contracts and when they are entered, negotiation policies of indigent defense contractors and how they affect the cost of the criminal justice system, and court procedures and how they affect indigent defense and prosecution costs. This study will be designed to provide a framework for looking at the relationship between charging and other pre-trial practices of the various district attorney offices and the courts in Oregon and indigent defense costs. 3 appendices.