How the Wealth Gap Determines Outcomes in the Federal Justice System
The fundamental promise of the justice system is equal protection under the law, regardless of an individual's financial status. In practice, however, the federal courts operate on a two-tiered system where the quality of justice a person receives is directly determined by the size of their bank account. The crisis of underfunded public defence has completely eroded the constitutional right to competent legal counsel, creating an environment where the indigent are routinely steamrolled by the massive resources of the state. Public defenders are universally overworked, managing caseloads that far exceed recommended ethical limits. They simply do not have the hours required to thoroughly investigate every claim, interview every witness, or challenge every piece of forensic evidence presented by the prosecution. This lack of preparation is not due to a lack of dedication or skill on the part of the attorneys; it is the direct result of a deliberate, systemic starvation of resources....