Case Study: Gideon V. Wainwright Case

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Pages: 3

Issues

The services provided by the NJOPD are not completely free since depending on the case and income level client may be required to pay for their respective services. This stipulation is clarified to clients during the CJP walk-in process when they receive their reimbursement agreement. The idea of a fee for representation is somewhat questionable considering it contrast with the idea of a public defender while contradicting the Miranda Rights statement specifically “ You have the right to an attorney. If you cannot afford an attorney, one will be provided for you.” According to Naomi Nix from NJ.com “ Newark's municipal council approved Monday night a proposal to raise the maximum fee to apply for a public defender in the municipal court from $50
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“ ( cite). Although the fees can be waived due to the ability to pay, the cost might deter several individuals from accepting representation. Without a doubt, defendants accused of a crime and potentially facing jail time having to contemplate about public legal representation contradicts the precedent set forth by Gideon v. Wainwright. Regardless of the heinous accusations, it is imperative all defendants receive legal counseling in order to ensure they receive a fair trial. The celebrated ideal of justice and the idea of “ justice for all,” cannot be selective by being further limited by cost especially if these policies disproportionately affect minorities throughout the state of NJ. The task of the defense attorney cannot by any metrics become undermined, because by doing so, the state grasps an enormous amount of power where some individuals are “ guilty until proven innocent,” and furthermore their guilt is not proven “ beyond a