Good for Barrett – an elegant solution to a problem created by rampant idiocy.
Kudos.
But isn’t Missouri an Open Carry State?
Then there should be zero crime, and no need for a public defender in the first place.
*** snort ***
Well…except for the defendant in that case is going to get screwed over royally as they play politics. The man did a short stint in private practice, but most of his career has been running for elected office. What are they chances he is up to speed on criminal defense procedures and law?
Crime is at an all time or near all time low, but there’s private prisons and private prison contracts that need love. How do you keep convictions up while crime goes down? Hmmmmmm…maybe by hamstringing public defenders a bit?
Well, I assumed that there is no way that the Guv is actually going to play along. This was just an excellent shaming tactic.
The Public Defender Commission must be in serious trouble if they’re relying incompetent, idiotic lawyers like Jay Nixon.
This is the -ahem- Democrat who made sure that Darren Wilson’s case was handled by a man with a plan to make sure there was never an indictment. I wouldn’t expect him to have much empathy for people who can’t afford to pay for their own lawyer.
I wonder if the police union presidents have told their members that the more they shoot and kill suspects the less money these private prisons have to make campaign contributions?
It’s definitely a stunt, but when you look at the numbers he’s citing in his letter appointing the Gov., its a pretty legitimate one.
He’ll probably find a way to conflict out of the appointment, but this is going to be all over the news nationally, and definitely in Missouri for a while.
Trust me, the client will be no worse off than with any other defendant represented by a public defender with 600 clients and a thousand yard stare.
Missouri is also the state where a legislator proposed that serving two years in state office qualifies them to be lawyers and judges.
Well, it is Missouri after all. 2 years might have them over-edjumacated and smartified?
Good to know Republicans haven’t totally cornered the market on being a dick weed.
Reminds me of the episode of “Boston Legal” where Denny Crane (William Shatner) was appointed as a public defender and got out of it by shooting his client.
I miss that show.
Public Defenders in Missouri are horribly overworked. My guess is the defendant who draws Nixon is going to be served better than any defendant relying on any of the regular staff.
Devastatingly accurate.