Pennsylvania's Failed System of Indigent Defense

Both the U.S. and Pennsylvania constitutions guarantee the right to an attorney for someone facing criminal charges, regardless of a person’s ability to pay. But for decades, Pennsylvania has been woefully inadequate in ensuring that people living in poverty receive effective representation.

Both the U.S. and Pennsylvania constitutions guarantee the right to an attorney for someone facing criminal charges, regardless of a person’s ability to pay. But for decades, Pennsylvania has been woefully inadequate in ensuring that people living in poverty receive effective representation.

So in June, the ACLU of Pennsylvania, with volunteer attorneys from several law firms, sued the governor and the leaders of the General Assembly because the executive and legislative branches have failed their constitutional duties.

In this episode, we hear from Veronica Miller, senior policy counsel for criminal legal reform, and Ari Shapell, fellowship attorney, both at the ACLU of PA. Veronica and Ari are co-counsel in the case, Warren v. Commonwealth. In this conversation, they explain how Pennsylvania’s indigent defense system has failed and what we hope to achieve with this litigation.

Learn more about this case at this link.