Public defenders program is 40 years old

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The phrase is commonplace during arrests--"you have the right to an attorney; if you cannot afford one, one will be provided for you free of charge." But that wasn't always the case in the American legal system. Before the landmark ruling in 1963, states weren't required to fund public defenders. So many poor people accused of crimes were forced to defend themselves in court. Members of the Minnesota Bar held a celebration yesterday (Thursday) recognizing the so-called Gideon Ruling at a time when state public defenders have asked for relief from soaring caseloads. Minnesota Public Radio's Elizabeth Stawicki reports:

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Digitization made possible by the State of Minnesota Legacy Amendment’s Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund, approved by voters in 2008.

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