NCJ Number
10878
Date Published
1971
Length
32 pages
Annotation
EXAMINATION OF THE DIFFICULTIES IN ENSURING QUALITY LEGAL REPRESENTATION FOR INDIGENT DEFENDANTS IN CRIMINAL CASES.
Abstract
THE ROLE OF THE LEGAL AID SOCIETY IN DEFENDING INDIGENTS IS OUTLINED AND IT IS SUGGESTED THAT LIAISON AMONG ITS VARIOUS DIVISIONS BE ESTABLISHED. THE NEED FOR A LEGAL DEFINITION OF INDIGENCE IS DISCUSSED. METHODS FOR IMPROVING THE QUALITY OF INDIGENT REPRESENTATION ARE EXPLORED AND INCLUDE THE USE OF PARAPROFESSIONALS IN A PROGRAM INTENDED TO PROVIDE INDIVIDUALIZED TREATMENTMAXIMUM CASELOAD LEVELS HAVING BEEN ESTABLISHED. SUCH A PROGRAM SHOULD INCORPORATE THOROUGH TRAINING, SUPERVISION, AND EVALUATION. IT IS SUGGESTED THAT A LAW REFORM UNIT IN LEGAL AID BE FORMED AND THAT THE CRITERIA FOR SETTING BAIL BE RE-EXAMINED BY THE APPELLATE DIVISIONS. THE AUTHORS FEEL THAT COMMUNITY ACTION LEGAL SERVICES (CALS) SHOULD BE MORE FULLY UTILIZED. THE INDIGENT DEFENDANTS' LEGAL PANEL IS DESCRIBED AND DISCUSSED AS WELL AS INVOLVEMENT OF THE PRIVATE BAR.