JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. -- The Missouri Supreme Court is considering whether public defenders can turn down some poor clients because of heavy caseloads.

The Public Defender Commission adopted rules letting overburdened attorneys reject certain types of cases. Another rule excuses public defenders if the defendant previously hired a private lawyer.

The commission argued Tuesday that it can establish rules for handling cases. Prosecutors seek to overturn those rules and argue public defenders must represent poor defendants facing jail time.

The Supreme Court considered two cases on Tuesday. In a St. Francois County case, public defenders sought to avoid representing a man whose private attorney withdrew from the case. In a Boone County case, defenders tried not to be appointed in certain probation cases.