725 ILCS 100/5: Legislative declaration.

(This Section may contain text from a Public Act with a delayed effective date)

The General Assembly recognizes that zealous legal representation in criminal, juvenile delinquency, and dependency proceedings and related matters is a constitutional right of the people of the State of Illinois and that high-quality legal representation should be available regardless of a person's ability to pay. Therefore, it is the intent of the General Assembly to provide for an effective public defense system throughout the State and to encourage the active and substantial participation of the private bar in the representation of accused people.