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Criminal

Jun. 12, 2026

Amici largely back Raju in public defender caseload dispute

Fourteen amicus briefs were filed in support of San Francisco Public Defender Manohar P. Raju's challenge to a contempt order arising from his refusal to accept new cases, arguing excessive workloads can create ethical conflicts for defense attorneys.

Amici largely back Raju in public defender caseload dispute
San Francisco Public Defender Manohar P. Raju

More than a dozen amicus curiae briefs were filed - mostly in support of San Francisco Public Defender Manohar P. Raju, who is challenging a contempt order issued after he refused to accept new clients because of what his office described as unsustainable caseloads.

Raju was held in contempt by Superior Court Judge Harry Dorfman on March 24 for defying a court order to continue accepting appointments. On April 10, the 1st District Court of Appeal stayed approximately $26,000 in sa...

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