Frequently Asked Questions About ACLU-PA's Indigent Defense Lawsuit
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Despite the constitutional right to an attorney and the state Supreme Court’s affirmation of this right, Pennsylvania fails to provide adequate funding or oversight for public defenders. That leaves tens of thousands of Pennsylvanians who can’t afford to pay for a lawyer without effective defense counsel every year.
That's why the ACLU of Pennsylvania has filed a lawsuit against the commonwealth to ensure that public defenders are adequately funded as required by the state and U.S. Constitutions. A full and fairly funded network of public defender offices is the only way to make sure that every Pennsylvanian has a fair chance to navigate the criminal legal system.
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Issue Areas:
Due Process