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Changing Michigan's indigent defense system

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A state commission is expected to adopt recommendations this morning to help ensure fair trials for people who can't afford to pay for an attorney. Michigan's county-by-county indigent defense system is considered one of the worst in the country. The report calls for an independent agency to be a watchdog on counties' public defender systems - and step in when they fall short. It also calls for better training for public defenders, and limiting caseloads.

Rick Pluta is Senior Capitol Correspondent for the Michigan Public Radio Network. He has been covering Michigan’s Capitol, government, and politics since 1987.
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