Preamble
The Washington Supreme Court adopts the following Standards to address certain basic elements of public defense practice related to the effective assistance of counsel. The Certification of Appointed Counsel of Compliance with Standards Required by CrR 3.1/ CrRLJ 3.1/JuCR 9.2/ MPR 2.1 references specific "Applicable Standards." The Court adopts additional Standards beyond those required for certification as guidance for public defense attorneys in addressing issues identified in State v. A.N.J., 168 Wn.2d 91 (2010), including the suitability of contracts that public defense attorneys may negotiate and sign. To the extent that certain Standards may refer to or be interpreted as referring to local governments, the Court recognizes the authority of its Rules is limited to attorneys and the courts. Local courts and clerks are encouraged to develop protocols for procedures for receiving and retaining Certifications.