Defender Statistics

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WHAT IS THE STATUS OF DEFENDER DATA
Before defender leaders start collecting and implementing core statistical elements and use it to report their work, it is important for them to understand some of the basic tenants behind research and data and arguments we usually hear about defender data collection. Defenders have posed a variety of arguments against using the case statistics in an evaluation of office and attorney performance. First, defenders rightly argue that no two cases are alike, suggesting that techniques that combine cases for statistical purposes neglect essential differences. Second, defenders have pointed to the wide variation in defender offices and practices; differences in definitions and recording procedures make it difficult to compare statistical data from two of more offices. Third, they have pointed out that each criminal jurisdiction is unique in its historical development, statutory restrictions and informal norms; this uniqueness disallows the use of statistics unless accompanied by an in-depth knowledge of a particular community. Fourth, they object ...

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