State Bar Priorties for 2010 Include Independent Public Defense Commission

The New York State Bar Association has included creation of a statewide Independent Public Defense Commission in its legislative priorities for 2010. The State Bar will continue advocating for the commission, one with broad powers to adopt standards, evaluate existing programs and service providers, and generally supervise the operation of New York’s public defense system.

As the New Year unfolds, we hope many others will renew and increase their support of public defense reform as well. Lack of resources and oversight across New York State's patchwork of public defense systems continues to erode trust and confidence in the judicial system. We must intensify the call for Justice Now!