This is a shocking example of how inadequate legal representation sends poor people to death row, where some are no doubt wrongly executed.
You mention the "festering problem of inadequate legal representation."
We do know this: The accused was given inadequate representation.
This was based on a theory of inadequate representation, in particular that his counsel at the time did not present sufficient evidence about mental health defects.
Many thoughtful people have quickly concluded that inadequate legal representation explains those errors.
But the sheriff maintains that he had inadequate legal representation and that other law enforcement agencies are sued just as often.
Poor people are still imprisoned, and even put to death, after trials in which they have shockingly inadequate legal representation.
The problem is inadequate legal representation at the start.
Hall had been convicted of murdering a Duarte postal worker, but received inadequate representation.
Marsden told the trial judge that he was receiving inadequate representation from the attorney.