The Right to Counsel

JSI President Judge Peggy Hora (Ret.), Vice President David Wallace and JSI COO Judge Brian MacKenzie (Ret.) will speak on the Right to Counsel.  The Sixth Amendment guarantees the right to legal counsel at all significant stages of a criminal proceeding starting with a defendant’s first appearance in court. This right is so important that there is an associated right given to people who are unable to pay for legal assistance to have counsel appointed and paid for by the government. This session discusses the best ways for courts to implement a paid system that protects those rights.