The case, Hurrell-Harring v New York, was about whether public defenders in five states were so overworked that the poor were unable to access legal defence. Although the settlement relates to just five counties, Corey Stoughton, lead lawyer for the New York Civil Liberties Union which filed the suit, said: ‘This agreement is a template by which New York can establish equal justice for all in every single county.’

Workloads

Both sides have talked publicly of the agreement. It means that the state will foot the bill for taking on more defence lawyers, investigators and expert witnesses. It will also set standards on the workloads for the lawyers. The state will also assume responsibility, from the counties, for ensuring that the poor receive representation. Source: New York Times