Counties and coordinating agency for county legislative authorities brought action for declaratory and injunctive relief against State, alleging that funding system for indigent defense services provided by counties violated rights to counsel, due process, and equal protection under federal and state constitutions.
The Superior Court granted State’s motion to dismiss for failure to state a claim, based on lack of standing. Plaintiffs appealed.
The Court of Appeals held that:
- Counties were within zone of interest for constitutional rights to counsel and equal protection, as component for their standing
- Counties sufficiently alleged an injury in fact, as component for standing; and
- Liberal approach to standing was applicable.