Supreme Court says no help for defendants representing themselves

Minnesota's Supreme Court has ruled defendants who represent themselves in court have no constitutional right to help from public defenders.

The ruling stems from the case of Clay Clark, who was dismissed his public defender during jury selection. He told the judge he'd represent himself, even though Judge Philip Bush warned him he'd receive no further help from the public defender's office.

After the state called its first witness, Clark told the judge he wasn't qualified to represent himself and needed help. The judge said it was too late.

Writing for the majority, Justice Alan Page said Minnesota's Constitution protects the right to an attorney and the right to represent oneself, but there is no right to a public defender as an advisor.

Justices Paul Anderson and Sam Hanson said that even if the constitution doesn't require an advisory attorney, the judge had the discretion to still appoint one. They said Clark deserved a new trial.