Discuss the public defender program and the issues and challenges of the position

What will be an ideal response?


The public defender program is a statewide program established by legislation and funded by the state government to provide counsel to children at public expense. This program allows access to the expertise of lawyers who spend a considerable amount of time representing juvenile offenders every day.

Although efforts have been made to supply juveniles with adequate legal representation, many juveniles still go to court unrepresented or with an overworked lawyer who provides inadequate representation. Many juvenile court defense lawyers work on more than 500 cases per year, and more than half leave their jobs in under two years. Other problems facing juvenile public defenders include lack of resources for independent evaluations, expert witnesses, and investigatory support; lack of computers, telephones, files, and adequate office space; inexperience, lack of training, low morale, and salaries lower than those of their counterparts who defend adults or serve as prosecutors; and inability to keep up with rapidly changing juvenile codes.

Criminal Justice

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Summarize the four goals of correctional responses in the community.

What will be an ideal response?

Criminal Justice

What percentage of shoplifters are considered professionals who derive the majority of their income from shoplifting?

a. 1 percent b. 5 percent c. 10 percent d. 15 percent

Criminal Justice

When does jeopardy attach in a jury trial?

a. When the jury is sworn in. b. After the prosecution’s case-in-chief. c. When the defense rests their case. d. When the jury retires to deliberate.

Criminal Justice

The adversary function of the criminal court was deemed to be incompatible with the procedural safeguards of the juvenile court

Indicate whether the statement is true or false

Criminal Justice