THE STUDY WAS UNDERTAKEN AS A PRELIMINARY STEP IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF A METHOD FOR MEASURING THE PRESENT AND FUTURE DEMANDS FOR INDIGENT DEFENSE SERVICES IN THE STATE AND THE DEVELOPMENT OF ALTERNATIVES FOR IMPROVING PRESENT SERVICES. THE CONSULTANTS SPENT 3 DAYS INTERVIEWING A NUMBER OF OFFICIAL CONNECTED WIIT THE STATE COURT SYSTEM. IN ADDITION, COURT PROCEEDING WERE ATTENDED AND BACKGROUND DOCUMENTS WERE EXAMINED. DOCUMENTS INCLUDED INTERNAL MEMORANDA OF THE PUBLIC DEFENDER'S OFFICE, DESCRIPTIONS OF THE COURT SYSTEM, STATISTICS, BUDGET AND ANNUAL REPORTS, AND TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE REQUESTS. BASED ON THEIR ANALYSES, CONSULTANTS RECOMMENDED THAT ATTORNEYS BE REDISTRIBUTED AT THE APPELLATE LEVEL SO THAT MORE PRIVATE LAWYERS AND FEWER PUBLIC DEFENDERS ARE APPOINTED. ALSO, THE PUBLIC DEFENDER SHOULD CONSIDER THE EMPLOYMENT OF A NONLAWYER TO MANAGE NONLEGAL OFFICE ACTIVITIES. CLINICAL PROGRAMS SHOULD BE DEVELOPED THAT PROVIDE LAW STUDENT SERVICES TO ASSIST IN THE REESTABLISHMENT OF PRETRIAL RELEASE INVESTIGATIONS AT THE DISTRICT COURT LEVEL. ALTHOUGH THE SYSTEM OF CRIMINAL JUSTICE IN RHODE ISLAND IS EXCELLENT, THESE SUGGESTIONS ARE INTENDED TO ENHANCE AN ALREADY EXEMPLARY SYSTEM. APPENDIXES PRESENT A LIST OF PERSONS INTERVIEWED, STANDARDS OF ELIGIBILITY AND FOR PAYMENT OF COUNSEL IN THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, INDIGENT ELIBIGILITY QUESTIONNAIRES, AND OTHER INFORMATION. (LWM)