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Suit Filed Against State Over Indigent Defense
February 22, 2007
MLive.com
THE PROBLEM: Advocates say Michigan's system for poor defendants who can't afford a private attorney is broken, citing high caseloads for court-appointed lawyers who can't adequately investigate their clients' cases.
THE FIX: The ACLU and other groups sued the state Thursday, saying it should provide better oversight and more funding, and not delegate responsibility to Michigan's 83 counties.
REACTION: Gov. Jennifer Granholm hasn't yet reviewed the suit but her spokeswoman says the governor is committed to protecting all residents' constitutional rights. |