Missouri public defender system topic at attorney forum

Friday, November 20, 2009 | 10:36 a.m. CST
BY The Associated Press

JEFFERSON CITY — Missouri's public defender system is expected to be a hot topic of discussion Friday as attorneys convene in Jefferson City.

Members of The Missouri Bar are to receive an overview of a report that warns Missouri's public defender system has been pushed "to the brink of collapse." But prosecutors are questioning whether the report truly is objective and independent.

Public defenders represent people accused of certain crimes who are unable to afford to hire a private attorney. For several years now, public defenders have said they are struggling with high caseloads because of a lack of money to hire additional employees.

 

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