justice

How should Oregon compensate its public defenders? A flat fee for cases? By caseload? The debate is not over. Other states have been compelled to change the way they pay public defenders by lawsuits. Fortunately, Oregon is already taking action.

The issue is ensuring defendants get a fair trail. The U.S. Supreme Court has clearly declared that if someone is accused of a crime and cannot afford a lawyer they don’t get a fair trial unless they have one. Furthermore, the government must pay for the lawyer. And the lawyer’s representation must be effective.

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