> Prosecutors try bad cases all the time. They're bloodthirsty inhuman bastards by design. Agreed. > But defense attorneys and jury trials have been vilified

> Prosecutors try bad cases all the time. They're bloodthirsty inhuman bastards by design. Agreed. > But defense attorneys and jury trials have been vilified to the point that even a "socially conscious" show like The Wire portrays Maurice Levy as the bad guy. While true, this is not the problem. Private criminal defense attorneys have a horrific reputation, charge through the roof, but are highly competent and get results. Most of them used to be prosecutors and know the system well. There are really two reasons a budding attorney becomes a prosecutor. Because they aspire to political office or because they want to get into private criminal defense. Who ends up as public defenders? Idealistic and inexperienced attorneys who are not paid well. This does not bode well for their clients. You really do want somebody who used to play for the other team. We should abolish public defenders and establish a voucher system where those who cannot afford a private attorney are provided funds to allow them to do so. In the end, it may end up costing use substantially less in tax dollars and get good results for the accused.