Section 8

investigate any application for public defence services and make reports relating to the investigation;

give an opinion on the application for public defence services and on any question of law arising in the proceedings involving the applicant; and

act on behalf of the aided accused.

The Chief Public Defender may prepare separate panels of solicitors for different purposes and for different courts.

Any solicitor may, subject to any condition determined by the Chief Public Defender, apply to the Chief Public Defender to have his name registered in any panel of solicitors for public defence services.

Any solicitor who has been assigned to represent an aided accused may appear and plead in all courts on behalf of the Chief

Public Defender in accordance with the procedures for criminal proceedings.

Legal Aid and Public Defence 17

Payment for assigned solicitor