Summary
Public defenders in Massachusetts and several other states are refusing to take new criminal cases. They are asking for higher pay, and this has led to many cases being dismissed.
Key Facts
- Public defenders in Massachusetts are part of a larger group demanding higher pay.
- Some public defenders have stopped taking new cases because of this pay concern.
- The refusal has led to the dismissal of many criminal cases.
- This situation impacts not just Massachusetts, but also other states.
- Public defenders are lawyers provided by the government to defend people who can’t afford private lawyers.
