Oregon’s chief justice on Monday took the unprecedented step of firing the commission that oversees the state’s public defense system days after its members failed to oust the program’s embattled director.
Chief Justice Martha Walters informed the nine-member commission of her decision by letter. She said any member who wants to reapply must let her know by noon Tuesday, suggesting she plans to act quickly to replace them and possibly attempt another ouster. Phillip Lemman, deputy state court administrator, said late Monday that a meeting is scheduled for Thursday.