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Quality Defense Act: Funding Public Defenders for Fairer Trials.

This law aims to significantly improve the quality of legal defense for citizens who cannot afford a lawyer by funding state and local programs. Citizens will benefit from better-paid and less overworked public defenders, increasing the likelihood of a fair trial and protection of constitutional rights. The changes also include better training and hiring essential support staff like investigators and social workers.
Key points
Provides grants to increase public defender compensation to achieve pay parity with prosecutors, helping to attract and retain experienced lawyers.
Funds the hiring of additional public defenders, investigators, social workers, and paralegals to reduce excessive caseloads and improve representation quality.
Mandates detailed data collection on caseloads, case outcomes, and client demographics to establish fair limits and identify systemic issues.
Finances educational programs for public defenders, covering trial skills, negotiation, and implicit bias training.
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Expired
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Additional Information
Print number: 118_S_850
Sponsor: Sen. Booker, Cory A. [D-NJ]
Process start date: 2023-03-16
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OFFICIAL LEGAL TITLE

Quality Defense Act of 2023

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What is the official ID of this bill?

The official print number for this legislation is 118_S_850.

Which chamber initiated this legislation?

This legislation was initiated in the Senate.

When did the legislative process begin?

The process officially started on 2023-03-16.

What are the main provisions?

Key points include:

  • Provides grants to increase public defender compensation to achieve pay parity with prosecutors, helping to attract and retain experienced lawyers.
  • Funds the hiring of additional public defenders, investigators, social workers, and paralegals to reduce excessive caseloads and improve representation quality.
  • Mandates detailed data collection on caseloads, case outcomes, and client demographics to establish fair limits and identify systemic issues.
  • Finances educational programs for public defenders, covering trial skills, negotiation, and implicit bias training.
What is the specific legal status?

The current status is Expired.

Where can I read the full text of this legislation?

The full official text is available at: View full text

Who is the primary sponsor?

The primary sponsor is Sen. Booker, Cory A. [D-NJ].

What is the latest detailed status?

The latest detailed status is: Introduced in Senate

Is this summary verified?

Yes. This content was analyzed by AI and verified by the Lustra Judge System on 2025-12-27.

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Courts and Law