Pa.’s unequal public defender system

Guests: Kevin McCorry, Phyllis Subin, Rich Long

Pennsylvania is the only state that does not provide state funding or oversight for its public defense system, leaving the job to its 67 different counties. Today, we’ll explore the effects that this has when it comes to citizens getting adequate representation in court as required by The Constitution. Also, we’ll explore how this funding method affects the politics of the state. Guest host Tracey Matisak’s speaks with KEVIN McCORRY, editor of WHYY’s Keystone Crossroads project, which has put together a series of stories, called “No Justice for All,” about the problems that inadequate public defense can cause. We’ll also speak with PHYLLIS SUBIN, executive director of PA Coalition for Justice, and RICH LONG, executive director of the Pennsylvania District Attorney Association.