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Access to justice remains elusive to many, recent study reveals

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What is Legal Aid?

Legal aid is financial assistance provided by the government to cover legal costs for people who cannot afford them. It helps individuals access legal advice, family mediation, or representation in court or tribunals. Legal aid can help pay for legal advice, mediation or representation in court if you have a serious problem and cannot afford it.

Only one in five believes they can access justice

There has been a recent study by the Law Society of England and Wales and the Legal Services Board which has revealed that only one in five (21%) believes justice is accessible, with many unaware of legal aid and struggling to find legal help.

The research found that the justice system is not open for all, as one in three (38%) with legal issues did not receive any help. One in ten (13%) assumed it was too expensive, 8% did not know how to find an advisor and 5% believed it was too difficult.

Another cause for concern identified in the study, is the lack of awareness about what legal aid is in fact available. Three in ten (29%) did not know it was available for any issues, half (49%) said it was available just for crime-related issues; and two in five (43%) said it was available for domestic violence.

The President of the Law Society, Nick Emmerson stated:

“There is alarmingly little confidence in access to justice or awareness of legal aid.

“Those on lower incomes, who are likely to be eligible for legal aid, are also more likely to think legal aid is unavailable.

“It is disheartening that our justice system has failed to provide support for those who cannot pay legal costs.

“Not only have massive cuts in legal aid left countless without access to justice, but weak public legal education has also left millions in the dark.

“We will continue to push the UK government to invest in solutions that ensure accessible justice for all, a strong legal aid system and better public legal education.”

How do I know if I am eligible?

We at Saunders Law have excellent human rights and public law teams which often take cases funded by way of Legal Aid and they will be able to advise all new clients as to their eligibility.    We do not undertake legally aided work in any other practice area. You can find out what some of our civil liberties work includes on our website Human Rights Laywers in London - Saunders Law

 

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