Rule 29.11 Independence of Counsel

Lawyers who are appointed to represent people who cannot afford an attorney must be free to do their jobs without outside pressure. No judge, politician, or government official can tell these lawyers how to handle their cases or what decisions to make for their clients.

This protection exists so that a public defender or appointed lawyer can truly fight for the person they represent. If outside forces could control how these lawyers work, poor defendants would not get a fair defense. The lawyer's only guide should be the law and the rules that govern all attorneys.