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Apr. 13, 2026

Appeals court again blocks contempt sanction against SF public defender

An appellate court again halts a contempt sanction against San Francisco's public defender, as judges consider whether overwhelming caseloads justify refusing new clients.

The Court of Appeal on Friday again blocked enforcement of a $26,000 contempt sanction against San Francisco Public Defender Manohar Raju, stepping in for the second time in a week to halt collection of the fine on the day it was due.

A 1st District Court of Appeal panel issued an order April 10 temporarily staying the penalty imposed by San Francisco Superior Court Judge Harry Dorfman after Raju was found in contempt for ignoring a court order to accept new clients.

Raju...

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