Rural public defender shortage called a crisis

Grants | Legacy Digitization |
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Public defense lawyers across Minnesota are throwing up their arms in frustration. Public defenders say they're overburdened with huge caseloads. Budget cuts have forced lay-offs within their ranks. And more public defenders are quitting because of stress. Some say the crisis jeopardizes the legal rights of Minnesota's poor. As Mainstreet Radio's Tom Robertson reports, public defenders are turning to the Minnesota Supreme Court and the Legislature for help.

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