Lawyers say (legal) system failing

[flashl]

Those most in need get inadequate representation

(Arizona) If a Globe man can prove his court-appointed attorney performed poorly, resulting in his wrongful conviction, the state of Arizona could be held liable.

Tucson attorney William Walker said a recent ruling allowing a lawsuit against the state to proceed involving a former Gila County defense attorney is "monumental."

"I know of no other ruling anywhere in this regard," said Walker, who represents the Globe man, whose sex offense conviction was overturned on appeal. "There is a failure in jurisdictions all over the country to provide adequate lawyers to people accused of crimes," said Stephen B. Bright, director of the Southern Center for Human Rights.

"It's particularly troubling in death penalty cases with lawyers who don't have the competence, the expertise, the resources or the investigative assistance needed to try death penalty cases," Bright said.

Tucson Citizen

[no_hypocrisy]

1. I'm an attorney in NJ where you are mandated to accept pro bono clients assigned

arbitrarily by the county where you practice. I have no problem with the pro bono part. I've argued that I risk malpractice and damage to my assigned client if it's a matter about which I am thoroughly and legally ignorant and cannot self educate in order to render appropriate representation. My pleas have fallen on deaf ears. Nobody has been "injured" yet by my efforts, but one day I fear I will be given a case so monumental in scope that I will have nightmares about the damage inadvertently done to my client by me for this situation.

[flashl]

2. I have personally witnessed pro bono attys at work and they are to be commended. nt

[no_hypocrisy]

3. Thank you for your words. You get no financing or reimbursement.

And you try your damnedest and probably give your best legal skills under the circumstances. I had a client to whom I became a virtual social worker after my assignment was completed.

[flashl]

4. Thank you for your work. nt

[varkam]

6. I second that thanks.

:yourock:

[screwballz]

5. republicans make everything fail

it's a republican thing.