This report presents the findings of the independent evaluation of the Public Defender Service based on an evaluation of its work over the first three years of its existence, between 2001 and 2004. Chapter 1 sets out the policy background to the establishment of the PDS. Chapter 2 presents findings relating to the background of the clients and complexity of the cases. Chapter 3 compares the way the PDS and private criminal defence firms process cases. Chapter 4 contains findings on the quality of work; Chapter 5 analysis the time spent on cases. Chapter 6 reports on a survey on the effectiveness, quality, and independence of the PDS. Chapter 7 reports on a survey of experiences of working with the PDS.