Allison Blood has more from Jefferson City.
Actuality: STITH1.WAV |
Run Time: 00:07 |
Description: Of all states with statewide public defender systems, Missouri ranks dead last in per capita funding of public defenders. |
Intro: Despite many cuts across the state budget, Governor Nixon is recommending funding to create 12 new positions for public defenders.
Allison Blood has more from Jefferson City.
Nixon's recommendation would add attorneys to the public defender's office for the first time in nine years.
Missouri Supreme Court Chief Justice Laura Denvir Stith said Missouri is dead last in per capita funding for state wide public defender systems.
This could pose several problems for the state judiciary system...not only for defendants but for plaintiffs.
Actuality: STITH3.WAV |
Run Time: 00:05 |
Description: In short, if not corrected, defendants potentially could be set free without going to trial. |
Allison Blood has more from Jefferson City.
Nixon has set aside enough funding to create 12 positions by the end of 2009.
At Wednesday's State of the Judiciary address, Chief Justice Laura Denvir Stith said compared to other states, Missouri's spending on public defenders is dead last.
Stith said establishing these positions will ensure Missouri can provide representation to those who need it.
Actuality: STITH2.WAV |
Run Time: 00:14 |
Description: The federal constitution guarantees defendants both speedy trials and competent legal council...The inadequate number of public defenders; however, puts in question the state's ability to meet either of these requirements. |
Stith said Missouri ideally needs 192 additional attorneys to meet its current case load.
From the Capitol, I'm Allison Blood.