Eleven Principles
ethical representation to those in criminal proceedings who cannot afford to hire an attorney.The Eleven Principles of a Public Defense Delivery System were adopted by the Michigan Public Defense Taskforce in 2002, and by the State Bar of Michigan’s Representative Assembly in 2002, and serve as the fundamental standards for a public defense delivery system to provide effective, efficient, quality, and
1. The public defense function, including the selection, funding, and payment of defense counsel, is independent.
2. Where the caseload is sufficiently high, the public defense delivery system consists of both a defender office and the active participation of the private bar.
3. Clients are screened for eligibility, and defense counsel is assigned and notified of appointment, as soon as feasible after clients' arrest, detention, or request for counsel.
4. Defense counsel is provided sufficient time and a confidential space with which to meet with the client.
5. Defense counsel's workload is controlled to permit the rendering of quality representation.
6. Defense counsel's ability, training, and experience match the complexity of the case.
7. The same attorney continuously represents the client until completion of the case.
8. There is parity between defense counsel and the prosecution with respect to resources and defense counsel is included as an equal partner in the justice system.
9. Defense counsel is provided with and required to attend continuing legal education.
10. Defense counsel is supervised and systematically reviewed for quality and efficiency according to nationally and locally adopted standards.
11. When there is a defender office, one function of the office will be to explore and advocate for programs that improve the system and reduce recidivism.
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