As Washington grapples with a shortage of public defenders, mandatory caseload reductions are starting to take effect.
Hear why advocates of the change say smaller caseloads could be key to improving client representation and attorney recruitment.
You’ll also hear from opponents who warn that a two-thirds reduction in allowable caseloads could have far-reaching consequences for the justice system and local government budgets.
Panelists:
Snohomish County Office of Public Defense Director Jason Schwarz and Washington State Office of Public Defense Deputy Director Katrin Johnson