Right To Counsel
Coverage of Right To Counsel in the Nexus archive.
- IG report ignored the critical role of over-prosecution in straining the indigent defense system
An Inspector General (IG) report on Massachusetts' indigent defense system blamed agencies like the Committee for Public Counsel Services (CPCS) and courts for systemic failures but omitted the role of over-prosecution and over-criminalization in straining the system. The report highlighted issues like inadequate lawyer staffing and payment rates but failed to address how aggressive prosecutions increase case loads for underpaid court-appointed attorneys.
- Why is $177M in LA tenant aid being held up? City officials disagree on the reason
Los Angeles city housing officials and the outgoing city attorney dispute the reason for a $177 million tenant aid delay. The city attorney claims the Legal Aid Foundation of Los Angeles (LAFLA) failed to meet reporting requirements, while LAFLA and housing officials assert compliance with contract terms.