The Washington Chapter of the American Judicature Society will focus on potential solutions to the public defense crisis in Washington State’s criminal justice system at its annual meeting on Friday, October 22, 2004, at the University of Washington Law School. Members of the bar and the public are invited to the program.

Two distinguished panels will present their views and potential solutions at the one-half day program, entitled, “Funding Public Defense: A Basic Right or an Impossible Dream?”

A summary of the WSBA’s recent “Blue Ribbon Panel on Criminal Defense Report” will be presented by the first panel, comprising Seattle Attorney Marc Boman, who chaired the Blue Ribbon Panel; Edward Holm, Thurston County Prosecuting Attorney; JoAnne Moore, of the State Office of Public Defense; and Ken Armstrong, of The Seattle Times. The panel moderator will be U.S. District Judge Robert Lasnik.

Potential legislative solutions to the public defense crisis will be presented by the second panel, comprising Seattle attorney, M. Wayne Blair, Chair of the State Court Funding Task Force; Robert Boruchowitz, of the King County Public Defender Association; Jon Ostlund, Whatcom County Public Defender; and Justice Susan Owens of the Washington Supreme Court. The panel moderator will be David Ammons of TVW.

It is expected that CLE credits will be available for lawyer attendees.

The program will occur at University of Washington Law School, Room 133, from 8:30 a.m. to noon, on Friday, October 22, 2004.