The Georgia House wants to shore up the state's ailing statewide public defender system. A bill approve today would require counties to chip in with funding for some death penalty defenses. It's a response to the state's case against accused courthouse gunman Brian Nichols. His death penalty trial has infuriated lawmakers and racked up at least $1.8 million in defense charges before a jury has even been chosen.
Today the judge overseeing the Nichols case said he will soon announce a date to resume the trial. Nichols' trial has been on hold indefinitely for several months because of a lack of money to adequately fund Nichols' defense. Nichols is accused of killing four people in March 2005 while fleeing custody at the Fulton County Courthouse.
Today the judge overseeing the Nichols case said he will soon announce a date to resume the trial. Nichols' trial has been on hold indefinitely for several months because of a lack of money to adequately fund Nichols' defense. Nichols is accused of killing four people in March 2005 while fleeing custody at the Fulton County Courthouse.
