Indigent Defense Quotes & Sayings

In Ake v. Oklahoma, the Court said: When a State brings its judicial power to bear on an indigent defendant in a criminal proceeding, it must take steps to assure that the defendant has a fair opportunity to present his defense ... . Justice cannot be equal where, simply as a result of his poverty, a defendant is denied the opportunity to participate meaningfully in a judicial proceeding in which his liberty is at stake. — John Grisham

Providing adequate representation even for defendants who appear guilty is the best way to protect those who are not. — Deborah L. Rhode