NCJ Number
32677
Journal
SKEPTIC Issue: 4 Dated: (NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 1974) Pages: 32-35
Date Published
1974
Length
4 pages
Annotation
THE CONTROVERSY OVER THE RELATIVE MERITS OF LEGAL ASSISTANCE ASSOCIATION LAWYERS AND PUBLIC DEFENDERS IS JOINED.
Abstract
JUDGES AND COURT ADMINISTRATORS PREFER THE SERVICES OF PUBLIC DEFENDERS, WHO, WHILE TURNING IN A HIGH PERCENTAGE OF PLEA-BARGAINED GUILTY PLEAS, SPEED THE PROCESSING OF DEFENDANTS THROUGH THE SYSTEM. THEY FEEL THAT LEGAL ASSISTANCE ASSOCIATION LAWYERS NEEDLESSLY COMPLICATE MATTERS WITH ENDLESS MOTIONS AND PROTRACTED VOIR DIRE EXAMINATIONS. CLIENTS, ON THE OTHER HAND, WHEN GIVEN THE CHOICE, PREFER TO BE DEFENDED BY LEGAL ASSISTANCE ASSOCIATION LAWYERS OVER PUBLIC DEFENDERS BY A MARGIN OF TWO TO ONE.