Public defenders across the country wore black on April 23 to protest underfunding and excessive workloads, which they argue are undermining their ability to effectively represent clients and uphold the constitutional right to counsel.
San Francisco Public Defender Mano Raju was held in contempt for refusing to accept more cases due to excessive workloads, which is a violation of the Sixth Amendment right to counsel and ABA guidelines.
San Francisco Public Defender Mano Raju has been found in contempt of court for refusing to take on additional cases due to excessive workloads, raising constitutional concerns and highlighting the need for increased funding for public defense.
The Criminal Justice Act (CJA) program ran out of money on July 3, 2025, leaving thousands of court-appointed attorneys and their support staff unpaid and threatening the constitutional right to effective counsel and the federal court system.
By The Vanguard Staff WASHINGTON, DC — Public defenders are “under-resourced” but law enforcement and prosecutors are compensated…
By Maria Pia Matos LOS ANGELES, CA – A Los Angeles Times editorial reminded readers this week…