Addressing Unconstitutional Delays in Appointment of Counsel
Publication Date
2-19-2026
Abstract
The constitutional right to counsel means little when people accused of crimes linger in jail for weeks, months, and even years without legal representation. Yet, these delays have become systemic features of indigent defense, prompting courts to intervene. In this Deason Center workshop, Professor Eve Primus will explore a growing body of state court decisions declaring appointment delays unconstitutional and imposing remedies ranging from defendant release to structural reform. Her research will examine the root causes of delayed appointments of counsel, the constitutional framework governing when representation must begin, and emerging litigation strategies aimed at delivering immediate relief while driving durable, systemwide reform.
Document Type
Streaming Video
Disciplines
Criminal Law | Criminal Procedure | Criminology and Criminal Justice | Law and Society | Public Policy | Social Justice
Part Of
CJR Workshop Series
Publisher
Southern Methodist University, Dedman School of Law, Deason Criminal Justice Reform Center
Language
English
