It is the intent of the Montana Association of Counties
to support legislation that creates a Montana State Public Defender System.
WHEREAS, the Sixth Amendment of the United States Constitution guarantees to all persons accused of a crime the right to counsel in their defense; and
WHEREAS, the United States Supreme Court has interpreted the Sixth Amendment to require each state to provide counsel to any person accused of a crime before he or she can be sentenced to jail or prison; and
WHEREAS, the State of Montana has assumed responsibility for the administration and financing of District Courts; and
WHEREAS, this includes the funding for the existing public defender system but not the administration,
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Montana Association of Counties strongly supports legislation being introduced in the Fifty-ninth Legislative Session to establish a Montana State Public Defender System with full responsibility for its administration.
SPONSOR: MACo Resolutions Committee
RECOMMENDATION: Do Pass
PRIORITY: High
REFERRED TO: MACo Justice & Public Safety Committee/
Tax, Finance & Budget Committee
ADOPTED: Annual Conference; Big Sky, MT
September 25, 2002
2004
ACTION:
RECOMMENDATION: Do Pass, amended
PRIORITY: High
REFERRED TO: MACo Justice & Public Safety Committee/
Tax, Finance & Budget Committee
ADOPTED: