legal aid

Australia's #1 for Law
Join 150,000 Australians every month. Ask a question, respond to a question and better understand the law today!
FREE - Join Now
Legal aid is the provision of assistance to people who are unable to afford legal representation and access to the court system. Legal aid is regarded as central in providing access to justice by ensuring equality before the law, the right to counsel and the right to a fair trial. This article describes the development of legal aid and its principles, primarily as known in Europe, the Commonwealth of Nations and in the United States.
Legal aid is essential to guaranteeing equal access to justice for all, as provided for by Article 6.3 of the European Convention on Human Rights regarding criminal law cases. Especially for citizens who do not have sufficient financial means, the provision of legal aid to clients by governments increase the likelihood, within court proceedings, of being assisted by legal professionals for free or at a lower cost, or of receiving financial aid.
A number of delivery models for legal aid have emerged, including duty lawyers, community legal clinics, and the payment of lawyers to deal with cases for individuals who are entitled to legal aid. More informal or general legal advice and assistance may also be provided for free or at low cost through such means as law centres (UK), community legal centres (Australia) or a variety of other organisations which provide various forms of legal aid in and outside of court.

View More On Wikipedia.org
Recent contents
  1. L

    QLD Help with Subpoena and Affidavit Wording?

    Hi There, I am a first-time poster and I am just looking for a bit of help, please? I have had sole parental responsibility for my child (7 years old) for almost 3 years now and have recently been served with court papers from the father. He has not contacted us or seen my child in almost 3...
    • LLock
    • Thread
    • affidavit alcohol christmas domestic violence legal aid subpoena suicide
    • Replies: 6
    • Forum: Family Law Forum
  2. S

    NSW How to Keep Track of Events for Mediation?

    I'm trying to end a long 10-year domestic violent relationship. We share children. I have applied for Legal Aid. I have been told several times to write down in a book everything that happens that would be good for mediation or the judge if it goes that far. So my questions are, what do I...
  3. E

    VIC Separated from Alcoholic Husband with Legal Aid - Help?

    Hey, I’m wanting some help, please. I separated from my husband in Nov 2018 (married since 2005) with my 12-year-old son & moved interstate to be with family for support. Ex is an alcoholic & I could no longer put up with the emotional & mental abuse towards myself & my son. Ex also has a sex...
    • Ewya
    • Thread
    • depression family court orders legal aid school sex
    • Replies: 2
    • Forum: Family Law Forum
  4. A

    VIC Conflict of Interest with Lawyer - Help?

    Hello guys, Any input would be appreciated. On the 7th of April 2018, I was remanded into custody. I was appointed a lawyer through legal aid for my first bail application which was on the 3rd of May 2018. I got knocked back. Bail got knocked back another 2 times before I got bail. On the 10th...
  5. W

    NSW Room Set on Fire by Ex-tenant - Help with Compensation?

    Hi all, So not too long ago my room was set alight by an ex tenant, in the process she destroyed more than 70% of goods in my room and half of the front of house. Anyway, fast forward, according to the police & my landlord - she set the room alight thinking her ex BF lived there... My contact...
  6. M

    QLD Legal Aid for Minor civil claim

    If anyone has been granted legal aid for a civil claim I would be very grateful if you could let me know what it was for. I'm trying to get an idea of how likely I will be to be granted legal aid for my claim. Thanks :)
  7. B

    QLD Pet Acquired During 10-month Relationship - Legal Aid Assistance?

    My problem is about a dispute over the ownership of a pet dog who was acquired within the relationship. I've been advised that it doesn't come under family law as a de facto relationship doesn't apply. However, the information I have been given so far has been contradictory. I'm seeking...
  8. L

    VIC Wrong Allegation of FV - What is the Family Court Procedure?

    Hi everyone, I am now in a family court process. The background is as followed: My ex applied IVO against me, both her and my son (3 soon turning 4) are in there after separation. I chose to consent without admission after reading many posts from this forum. My ex still allowed me to see my...
    • Loveson
    • Thread
    • affidavit family court federal circuit court icl legal aid mediation parenting plan police separation solicitor
    • Replies: 23
    • Forum: Family Law Forum
  9. N

    QLD Divorce Between Countries - What to Do?

    My ex and I have been separated and living in different countries (I'm in Australia and he's in New Zealand) since 2002. I have spoken to Legal Aid and they say that I cannot divorce without his consent. What do I need to do to get divorced? I know no one back there that will go to serve him...
  10. I

    VIC False Accusation to Get an Intervention Order - Help?

    Hello, mates. My ex, after seven days of formal separation, went to the station and created a story that two months ago, I held her hand during an argument and got an intervention order restraining me to go near her and my daughter. At the hearing: Should I get my own lawyer? ($1350) Would it...
Top Bottom