How do economic disparities impact legal representation and contribute to systemic biases in the criminal justice system, particularly in the context of reform efforts?

Economic disparities significantly affect legal representation in the criminal justice system. When individuals cannot afford a good lawyer, they often rely on public defenders, who may be overworked and have limited resources. This can lead to poorer outcomes in court, as these defendants might not receive the same level of attention or expertise as those who can pay for private attorneys. For example, a wealthy person charged with a crime may hire a skilled lawyer who can devote time to building a strong defense, while someone from a low-income background may not have that advantage, resulting in harsher penalties. These differences contribute to systemic biases, making it crucial for reform efforts to address how economic status influences access to justice and outcomes in the legal system.