Over the last three years, the shortage of public defenders in Washington state has built to a crisis. It’s been taking a toll on the lawyers who represent clients that need representation but can’t afford it. Since that representation is promised in the U.S. and state constitutions, these lawyers are a critical aspect of the legal system. 

When there aren’t enough lawyers, people wait in jail. Last year, the ACLU of Washington sued Yakima County for denying defendants their sixth amendment right to an attorney. The county has struggled to hire new public defenders for years.

To address the lack, public defenders proposed a counterintuitive solution: lower the number of cases public defenders can take on. They say doing so will  reduce burnout and increase recruitment.

This month, the Washington State Supreme Court signed on to dramatically reduced caseload limits for defenders. 

Guests: 

Daniel Beekman, reporter at the Seattle Times

Bob Boruchowitz, professor from practice at Seattle University School of Law and director of the Defender Initiative

Relevant Links: 

Seattle Times: WA Supreme Court orders much lower caseloads for public defenders 

Seattle Times: WA adds public defender dollars but ‘nowhere near’ enough, counties say

Seattle Times: Washington Bar approves much lower caseloads for public defenders

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