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Michigan Indigent Defense Advisory Commission updates: Visit our commission updates page for information from the December 2 and 16 meetings. The Commission has scheduled meetings on January 20, February 17, and March 16, 2012. All meetings will be from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Further meeting information will be posted on our online calendar as we receive it.
News
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Public defender system could get overhaul in 2012Laura Weber, Michigan Radio, December 29, 2011
“[A] patchwork of 83 systems and systems inside of those systems just is an embarrassment," said Tom McMillin (R-Rochester Hills). "We need to really get a better handle to try to ensure justice.” More >> Thursday, December 29, 2011
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Indigent defense system must changeLansing State Journal, December 12, 2011
"Poor people in Michigan accused of a crime don't always get adequate and competent legal representation. Gov. Rick Snyder recognizes that undermines our criminal justice system and has taken a critical first step to fixing the indigent defense system by appointing a study commission."
More >> Monday, December 12, 2011
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Why Michigan's indigent defense system must be reformedEditorial Board, Grand Rapids Press, December 4, 2011
"Poor people in Michigan accused of a crime don’t always get adequate and competent legal representation. Gov. Rick Snyder recognizes that undermines our criminal justice system and has taken a critical first step to fixing the indigent defense system by appointing a study commission. ... The Legislature ought to have the political courage to move forward sensible reforms — long overdue — from this panel." More >> Sunday, December 04, 2011
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Class and the CourtsLester Graham, Michigan Radio, November 21, 2011
"So, imagine this. You’ve been accused of a crime. You know you didn’t do it. But, the police think you did. You cannot afford a lawyer. So, you are appointed a lawyer. In a few counties, it might be someone from a public defenders office. In other counties, your lawyer might be someone who was appointed by a judge- which some see as a conflict. The lawyer got the job because of the judge which puts the lawyer’s independence in question. In almost half of Michigan counties, it might be a lawyer who put in the lowest bid for a contract with the county. Critics say for most counties, not enough resources are provided to a public defense lawyer to put together a proper defense." More >> Monday, November 21, 2011
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Commission can help end an injustice for poor defendants in MichiganDetroit Free Press editorial, October 24, 2011
"What kind of defense you get often depends on which side of a county line you're in," said Peter Cunningham, executive director of the Michigan Campaign for Justice, which has pushed for indigent defense reforms for more than four years. "You can't have a fair system without some sort of parity." More >> Monday, October 24, 2011
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State public defender system needs revampingBattle Creek Enquirer editorial, October 19, 2011
"Snyder wants the 14-member Indigent Defense Advisory Commission to come up with recommendations for improvement by next July 15. We hope those recommendations lead to a better system that upholds the standards of justice throughout the state." More >> Wednesday, October 19, 2011
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