PUBLIC DEFENSE: WHAT POLICYMAKERS NEED TO KNOW TO IMPROVE PUBLIC DEFENSE SYSTEMS

Executive Summary Name Institution Course and Code Professor Date Executive Summary Policy Problem Public defense agencies in the United States still struggle with chronic underfunding, overburdening, and structural inequity despite a constitutional guarantee that all people shall have access to a reasonable defense attorney. When public defenders handle too many cases with limited resources, their ability to offer efficient representation is especially a disadvantage for economically underprivileged and vulnerable populations. These deficiencies aggravate systematic injustices like false convictions, protracted pretrial detention, and restricted access to rehabilitative programs. The study investigates client results, staff well-being, and general effectiveness, focusing on the Broward County Public Defender’s Office in Florida. The research examines structural limitations, including high caseloads, insufficient funding, and a lack of technological integration. Public Defender Gordon Weekes has overseen the office’s changes, which provide a model for other areas to follow. Methodology The study used snowball and purposive sampling methods following a qualitative research approach. Interviews were conducted with Broward County Public Defender's Office personnel, including investigators, support workers, and ten defense attorneys. Thematic analysis of transcripts revealed shared issues and underlined successful remedies that could direct the creation of improved policies in the future. Key Findings The study revealed several significant issues and changes in the public defense system. Overwhelming caseloads, especially those containing complex issues, strain lawyers’ ability to offer high-quality representation, often leading to burnout and reduced case preparation (Reynoso Colin, 2024). Although the use of technology—especially Axon Justice Premier—greatly improved case managem...