If you were facing the death penalty; would you rather have a court-appointed public defender, or a private attorney you pay for (Assuming you have the income to swing either.)? Given the fact that the 6th amendment guarantees you a right to an attorney: "In all criminal prosecutions, the accused shall enjoy the right to a speedy and public trial, by an impartial jury of the State and district wherein the crime shall have been committed, which district shall have been previously ascertained by law, and to be informed of the nature and cause of the accusation; to be confronted with the witnesses against him; to have compulsory process for obtaining witnesses in his favor, and to have the Assistance of Counsel for his defence.". I would say that strongly implies that they didn't expect everyone to be up to date on all laws. While we may have a shortage of lawyers, it does not mean that we were all meant to act as our own attorney. (The bold was only meant to apply to the quote for emphasis, but it won't turn off: so you know.)