The state's public defenders are refusing to take new cases, pointing out that even with a recently approved raise they are still among the lowest-paid in the nation. A court has ruled that it's illegal to keep poor defendants in prison for more than 7 days, so several have been released because no attorney could be found for them.

Governor Romney has filed a bill to wrest control of the state's public-defender agency away from the judicial system, saying he wants to force the public defenders to either start taking new cases or be banned from such work forever.

Who's right? What's the solution to the impasse?
Read the story: Romney seeks to seize control of public defenders

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the entire notion of public defendants is ridiculous. if you can't afford an attorney, stay out of trouble. otherwise be prepared to do time.

Jeff, Lynn

This is the same Governor who thinks that judges should be elected. Looks like maybe Dan works for the governor since he is so clueless. He should spend a day in District Court and watch the public defenders since he has no clue as to the importance of what the PD's do.

Joe , Walpole

Ryan, as you must know by now Kerry is only proposing to raise taxes on those making more than $200k. Smaller pay check? Don't think so. And we also won't have to pay for an unnecessary war or paying down Bush's record deficits. Enough Fox News for you.

Deb, Tewksbury

How about if we take the money, cars and property confiscated from the drug dealers and put some of it toward their "free" state funded attorney. Pull the license from any attorney who refuses a case, throw HER in jail and hold the suspect until an attorney can be found. A speedy trial is too good for many of these felons. If you don't want to be a PD making 80K a year, do what John Kerry did and marry a crazy rich woman and keep digging for gold. Pathetic. GO MITT!

Kyle, Charlestown

Yes public defense attorney's are underpaid considering the time that they probably put into studying the case and preparing for it. The attorney's should not only think of themselves when saying they want a raise. They should think of the safety of the public since these criminals are being let back out on the street. The attorney's should do their job, suck it up and serve the public because in a way much like the police they are protecting the public.

Matthew, Quincy

Tom- Lawyers do have access to 401k plans thru ABRA. And how often does one buy these high ticket items like couches, desks, etc. Most ppl in here that are pro-bar seem to assume that being a lawyer means having the right to live well while as most of the state and even economy struggle to make ends meet with their jobs. Don't tell me that by accepting $78k-100k a year that the lawyer will starve. You might not live like Johnny Cochoran but a good living nonetheless.

Antonio, Boston

<<$37.50/hr x 40 = $1500 $1500 x 52 wk = $78,000 Seems like they are paid pretty well to me?? 78K is good dough for any job, what is the problem?? KJ, Canton >> Well KJ: iF IT "ONLY" INVOLVED 40 HRS your statement would be relevant.. try dividing it by 80 hrs and tell me that its a "fair" wage..especially with a $1k loan payment to make each month. That comes out to like $18.75 hr.

Glenn, Bristol, Rhode Island

For those who think that Mitt Roomey doesn't get compensated for being the governor. You are crazy. That said. I believe we should pay the lawyers much more for this reason. We live in the one of the most expensive areas in America and we are paying our PD's less than PD's from Kanass. It seems that Mass has a problem paying for its civil servants. I know that PD's are not civil servants, but you get the point. Finally for those who think it is a waste of money to defend indigants, go live in another country, you America-hating, elitists.

Pete , Winthrop

One option would be to have an independent party evaluate what the costs run - on average - for a PD... factoring in taxes, housing, office costs, basic health insurance, average rent costs and average student loan costs... and offer that up as a compromise. I don't believe that PDs should be doing this to turn a profit, but on the other hand, it would be wrong to not pay them enough to cover basic overhead. Aside from that - Romney can easily "turn down" his pay for Gov., because the man is comfortably wealthy - he does not live paycheck to paycheck like the vast majority of his constituents. Something to chew on...

Zelda, Boston

Romney's right. These lawyers signed up with the state to provide representation to indigent defendants. If they won't do the work, even after getting a 25% pay increase, they should be replaced. Give Romney control of the public defender agency, and then we'll see results. In 21 states, the defender agency is located within the executive branch. If the courts won't run it effectively, give the Governor a chance to do it.

Bill, Brookline