Created in 1971, the public defender is appointed by a three-member board of trustees selected by the governor and provides legal representation for eligible indigents in State criminal and juvenile proceedings. This report first outlines the Office of the Public Defender's reponsibilities and its four major program areas. Individual reports from the 12 district offices contain data on caseloads, costs, staffing, types of cases accepted, and reimbursements. Also discussed are the ratios of panel attorneys from private law firms to staff attorneys, the defense of death penalty cases, supportive services, community relations, and future trends. Caseloads and staffing are detailed for the Inmate Services Division which provides a full range of legal representation in collateral posttrial criminal proceedings. Other programs examined include the Postsentence Assistance Unit which offers information on postsentence remedies and detainers to inmates at the Maryland Reception, Diagnostic, and Classification Center and the Involuntary Institutionalization Services Division. The latter represents adults committed to mental health facilities by civil proceedings or when found not guilty by reason of insanity and juveniles committed to mental institutions by the juvenile court. An organization chart, budget figures, statistical tables, and a statewide profile of the public defender client are appended.