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Budget cuts would put system in jeopardy

By Gideon

From the Post-Bulletin (MN): A 10 percent cut budget cut would result in the elimination of 300 to 400 positions statewide. The justice system includes prosecutors, public defenders, law enforcement and people who provide legal services to the poor. John Stuart, chief public defender in Minnesota, said his department cut 53 public defender positions last year because of budget woes. Another 100 public defenders would be lost under a 10 percent budget cut, he said. These are the attorneys who represent people unable to hire lawyers. “I love living in a country where people have rights. Everyone has the right to a fair trial, but that does not happen automatically,” he said. “People have to be there to do the work, to provide the service...continue to full post

Full post as published by Public Defender Stuff on February 13, 2009 (boomark / email).