Capital-case lawyers must meet standards

HARRISBURG (AP) -- For the first time, the state Supreme Court on imposed minimum qualifications Friday for lawyers who represent defendants in death-penalty cases.
Lawyers in capital cases will soon have to meet experience standards and take specialized continuing-education courses.
"Little is more fundamental to the American system of justice than the opportunity for defendants to be adequately represented, especially where they face the ultimate penalty," Chief Justice Ralph J. Cappy said in a statement. "My colleagues and I believe that these standards will serve that goal by systematically defining minimum and uniform qualifications in this specialized area of legal practice."
The requirements will be phased in over 18 months starting in November.
By May 2006, all defense attorneys in capital cases must have taken at least 18 hours of training in death penalty representation, classes approved by the state Continuing Legal Education Board.