NCJ Number
124481
Journal
Law and Policy Volume: 11 Issue: 4 Dated: (October 1989) Pages: 401-424
Date Published
1989
Length
24 pages
Annotation
In this study we examine the decisions of local governments regarding the form and funding of indigent defense programs.
Abstract
We draw theoretical propositions using data from Georgia. We find that the provision of indigent defense counsel by local governments is influenced by both economic and political factors: by the wealth on which counties can draw for revenue, which produces interjurisdictional disparities; and by the political resources that interested parties can bring to bear on the policy process. These findings add to a growing body of literature that maps the relationships between trial courts and their political environments. The analysis may also have implications for the allocation of functional responsibilities among levels of governments. 3 tables, 25 notes, and 73 references. (Author abstract)