Tales of innocent men executed for crimes they did not commit have haunted the conscience of every honest judge and juror and have been the theme of many a fair tale. The expansion of population and increased crowding of cities and land with a teeming multitude has not lessened the possibility of justice miscarrying through human channels, no matter how carefully the ashes of truth are sifted.

Poverty and uncertainty continue to plague many who are honest but poor, and the use of the public-defender system should be widely introduced and universally proclaimed. The providing of public counsel dedicated to the honest defense of the accused and the securing for him of every right to which he is entitled under law ought to be the province of good government everywhere. This function of government is a vital touchstone to securing the rights of liberty, life, and happiness to all.