Discuss the public defender program and the issues and challenges ...

[LCritchfi]

Discuss the public defender program and the issues and challenges of the position.
 
  What will be an ideal response?

Question 2

The bulk of trial court filing are never appealed because the case is settled without a trial.
 
  Indicate whether the statement is true or false

[laurnthompson]

Answer to Question 1

The public defender program is a statewide program established by legislation and funded by the state government to provide counsel to children at public expense. This program allows access to the expertise of lawyers who spend a considerable amount of time representing juvenile offenders every day.

Although efforts have been made to supply juveniles with adequate legal representation, many juveniles still go to court unrepresented or with an overworked lawyer who provides inadequate representation. Many juvenile court defense lawyers work on more than 500 cases per year, and more than half leave their jobs in under two years. Other problems facing juvenile public defenders include lack of resources for independent evaluations, expert witnesses, and investigatory support; lack of computers, telephones, files, and adequate office space; inexperience, lack of training, low morale, and salaries lower than those of their counterparts who defend adults or serve as prosecutors; and inability to keep up with rapidly changing juvenile codes.

Answer to Question 2

T

[LCritchfi]

Thanks

[laurnthompson]

Welcome