8.5 FRQ

Public defenders are, as a general matter, the hardest working sect of the legal bar. But our nation’s public defender systems have long been plagued by underfunding and excessive caseloads. In Florida in 2009, the annual felony caseload per attorney was over 500 felonies and 2,225 misdemeanors. According to the U.S. Department of Justice, in 2007, about 73% of county public defender offices exceeded the maximum recommended limit of cases (150 felonies or 400 misdemeanors). Too often, those who are poor receive lower quality defense than those who have the means to pay.
—Alexa Van Brunt, “Poor people rely on public defenders who are too overworked to defend them,” The Guardian, June 17, 2015.

Describe the problem discussed in the scenario.

In the context of the scenario, explain how the problem described in part A may infringe on civil liberties.

An interest group advocates for the rights of criminal defendants. Describe an action the interest group could take to address the problem described in the scenario.