Court-appointed defense attorneys in Wisconsin say they deserve a raise, and they're asking the state Supreme Court to help make it happen.

But the justices say it's up to state lawmakers to make that decision.

Court-appointed lawyers represent defendants who can't afford to hire their own. Defense attorneys say the current $40-per-hour rate doesn't attract quality lawyers. They say that leaves the poor with inadequate representation.

Madison attorney John Skilton says those defense attorneys should make $80 per hour, with annual increases tied to the consumer price index.

Wisconsin Public Radio says lawmakers have refused to raise the rate. Justice David Prosser says lawmakers won't change their minds just because the state's high court asks them to.