NCJ Number
12189
Date Published
1973
Length
172 pages
Annotation
SURVEY OF INDIGENT DEFENSE SERVICES PROVIDED BY 3,110 COUNTIES.
Abstract
THE FIRST TWO CHAPTERS PRESENT, IN TABULAR FORM, THE STRUCTURE, OPERATION, AND CAPABILITIES OF THE TWO BASIC SYSTEMS CURRENTLY IN USE. THESE ARE 'DEFENDER SYSTEMS, 'WHICH EMPLOY CONTRACT OR PUBLIC EMPLOYEES WHO PROVIDE LEGAL SERVICES ON A REGULAR BASIS AND THE 'ASSIGNED COUNSEL SYSTEMS,' WHICH RELY ON PRIVATE ATTORNEYS APPOINTED BY THE COURT ON AN AD HOC BASIS. THE FOLLOWING CHAPTER PRESENTS THE OPINIONS OF JUDGES, PROSECUTORS AND ATTORNEYS CONCERNING THE EFFECTIVENESS AND VIABILITY OF THE VARIOUS DEFENSE SYSTEMS. THE FINDINGS OF THE FIRST THREE CHAPTERS ARE ANALYZED IN LIGHT OF THE STANDARDS PROPOSED BY THE NATIONAL ADVISORY COMMISSION ON CRIMINAL JUSTICE STANDARDS AND GOALS AND OTHER NATIONALLY RECOGNIZED ORGANIZATIONS. ALSO DISCUSSED ARE THE INDIGENCY DETERMINATION PROCESS, THE SCOPE OF REPRESENTATION PROVIDED BY PRESENT INDIGENT DEFENSE SERVICES, AND COSTS AND METHODS OF FINANCING. THE APPENDIXES CONTAIN DATA ON THE SURVEY METHODOLOGY, THE COUNTIES PARTICIPATING, AND AN ANALYSIS OF THE INDIGENCY RATE IN 207 COUNTIES USING THE ASSIGNED COUNSEL SYSTEM. (AUTHOR ABSTRACT MODIFIED) (SNI ABSTRACT)