Chief Justice Meagan A. Flynn of Oregon has issued a warning to judges in the state to use caution when taking a position on the public defense crisis, as she pushes for a significant pay raise for them. An email sent by Flynn to judges urged them to be vigilant and consult with the Oregon Judicial Department before providing opinions on proposed policies related to the state’s public defense issues.
Lawmakers are currently considering a bill that would increase the salaries of over 200 state judges by nearly 30%, resulting in raises of approximately $55,000 to $60,000 per year. Flynn emphasized the critical nature of the situation and the potential consequences of any missteps in handling the issue.
The call for caution comes as prosecutors in Washington and Multnomah counties are exploring proposals to address the lack of available public defenders, including the involvement of presiding judges in identifying defense attorneys. Despite efforts to improve the public defense system and allocate more resources, the backlog of criminal defendants without legal representation continues to grow in Oregon.
Governor Tina Kotek’s administration has been working to address the public defense crisis, with the Oregon Public Defense Commission implementing initiatives to increase capacity and provide legal representation to those in need. The Governor’s office has acknowledged the urgency of the situation and is reviewing strategies to ensure access to legal representation for all individuals charged with crimes in the state.
Overall, the public defense crisis in Oregon remains a pressing issue, with various stakeholders working to mitigate the backlog of cases and improve access to legal representation for individuals in need of defense. Flynn’s warning to judges underscores the delicate nature of the situation and the importance of careful consideration in responding to the state’s public defense challenges.
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