the Smith County Criminal Defense Lawyers Association (SCCDLA) held its monthly meeting last night. Many things were discussed. Of interest to me was the discussion on the possibility of a public defender office for the county. This idea is being driven by the Commissioners' Court with little or no input from the Council of Judges and the defense bar. I think this is one of those ideas that sounds good in theory but will prove to be fiscally impractical. Besides, I haven't heard anyone say what benefits would inure if such a system were put in place. Currently the defense bar does a tremendous job representing indigent persons for fees far below what other counties consider adequate. The Commissioners' Court should stick to running the business of the county. If change is needed in indigent defense, it seems logical to me the judges would be the first to notice it and the first to suggest new programs or plans.

If it ain't broke, don't fix it. (which seems to be the redneck corollary to the first part of the Hippocratic Oath, "first, do no harm").