(AP) -- The Michigan Supreme Court has dismissed a lawsuit that had the potential to force an overhaul of the way counties provide lawyers to criminal defendants who can't afford them.
Less than three months ago, the court unanimously sent the case back to the trial court for more work. But in a 4-3 ruling Friday, the court reconsidered and threw out the lawsuit against Genesee, Berrien and Muskegon counties.
The lawsuit claimed the rights of poor people have been violated because the paltry pay given to court-appointed lawyers routinely forces defendants into plea bargains.
No courts have ruled on the merits of the case. But it had the potential to change the system statewide.
Justice Stephen Markman says there's no constitutional right to an attorney with a certain skill.
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