Commission sends Warning about Idaho’s Public Defender System

BOISE, Idaho (AP) — Members of the Idaho Criminal Justice Commission say the state's public defender system is flawed and that lawmakers should be prepared for lawsuits if steps aren't taken to ensure all defendants get a chance at a fair trial.

An interim committee of legislators was appointed Thursday to study the issue this summer. They'll be asked to consider four main points: The structure and organization of Idaho's public defense system, the oversight and accountability of public defenders, the standards and training given to public defenders and long-range planning for stable and ongoing funding for indigent defense.

As part of its recommendations to lawmakers, the commission suggested that maintaining the status quo across the state could bring lawsuits from outside interest groups seeking reform of Idaho's public defense system.