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https://theconversation.com/legal-aid-is-a-lifeline-for-vulnerable-australians-but-consistent-underfunding-puts-the-system-at-risk-250275>
"It’s central to any democracy that citizens receive fair treatment under the
law. An important part of this is access to legal advice and representation.
But lawyers are expensive. Many people who engage with the justice system can’t
afford them.
This is where legal aid comes in. Legal aid is a government-funded service
available to some people unable to afford legal assistance. It is tightly
targeted and many people are turned away.
Those approved can access professional advice and representation. Many clients
are women and children escaping family violence, and Aboriginal and Torres
Strait Islander people, who remain vastly overrepresented in the criminal
justice system.
But the first ever national census of legal aid private practitioners reveals
widespread underfunding, overwhelming workloads and high financial costs borne
by the lawyers providing help."
Cheers,
*** Xanni ***
--
mailto:xanni@xanadu.net Andrew Pam
http://xanadu.com.au/ Chief Scientist, Xanadu
https://glasswings.com.au/ Partner, Glass Wings
https://sericyb.com.au/ Manager, Serious Cybernetics
