SAN FRANCISCO (Diya TV) — A growing conflict in San Francisco’s justice system reached a new level this week as a judge fined the city’s public defender $26,000 for refusing to take on new criminal cases. The ruling highlights a deeper issue facing courts across the United States: too many cases and not enough defense attorneys. Harry Dorfman ordered Mano Raju to pay the fine after finding him in contempt of court. The judge said Raju ignored a January order to stop rejecting cases. Each refusal counted as a separate violation.
Raju began declining some felony and misdemeanor cases in May 2025. He said his office faced a severe workload crisis. He argued that taking more cases would harm defendants and overwork his staff.
“Our view is that his order is an illegal order,” Raju said outside the courtroom. He added that his office still refuses some cases one day each week.
Judge Dorfman disagreed. He said the law requires courts to appoint public defenders when needed. He also said Raju’s office has enough staff to handle the workload. The judge fined Raju $1,000 for each of the 26 cases he rejected after the January order. He also scheduled another hearing in April, which could lead to more fines.
The dispute has placed Raju at odds with Brooke Jenkins. Jenkins said the public defender’s actions disrupt the justice system. She warned that delays could lead to serious consequences. Some defendants could go free if they do not receive timely legal representation.
Jenkins has increased prosecutions since taking office. Her office filed about 8,000 cases last year, compared to 5,600 in 2021. She said she enforces all laws, unlike her predecessor. Raju pushed back. He accused Jenkins of overloading the courts with low-level cases. He said the surge in prosecutions has made the situation worse.
Several public defenders testified about the strain they face. Many said they work long hours and struggle to keep up with growing caseloads. Deputy Public Defender Tal Klement said she works up to 60 hours a week. She also deals with physical stress while raising a family.
Another attorney, Seth Meisels, pointed to the rise in digital evidence. Lawyers now review video footage, forensic data, and other records in nearly every case. This work takes time and adds pressure. Raju said his attorneys handle far more cases than experts recommend. He cited national studies that warn excessive workloads can harm defendants and violate ethical rules.
San Francisco is not alone. Courts across the country face similar challenges. Many public defender offices struggle with limited funding and staff shortages. In Oregon, the state Supreme Court recently ruled that more than 1,400 cases must be dismissed due to a lack of defense attorneys. Legal experts say this reflects a nationwide problem. Raju said his office has tried to manage the crisis by working with private attorneys. However, even those resources have reached their limits.
The conflict also reflects broader political tensions in San Francisco. The city faces a large budget deficit, which limits funding for public services. Mayor Daniel Lurie has promised to improve public safety. At the same time, he must balance spending across city departments. Political experts say the dispute may center more on funding than policy. Some believe Raju is using the situation to push for more resources.
Raju plans to appeal the ruling. He said he will continue to refuse some cases despite the fines. Judge Dorfman made it clear he will enforce his orders. He said the court cannot stand by while the system faces disruption.
