CRIMINAL JUSTICE; Skimping on Justice

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Most of the attention on Jacksonville's crime problem focuses on the police, especially the need for more of them.

Little attention is focused on an equally important part of the criminal justice system: prosecutors, public defenders and the courts.

These offices have seen funding cuts recently, which is jeopardizing the ability of the justice system to function properly.

Public Defender Bill White says funding has not kept up with caseloads. Caseloads for public defenders are so high that there are serious concerns that clients are receiving proper representation. And justice is being delayed as a result.

The American Bar Association says that a …