Access to Justice

1. Legal Advice

Duty solicitors provide ___ legal advice and representation to individuals who have been arrested or are facing criminal charges, regardless of their financial situation.

Pro bono services are free legal services offered by some law ____ and charities to individuals who cannot afford to pay for legal advice.

Some organisations provide free legal helplines offering advice on criminal law matters. E.g. The Criminal Legal Aid Helpline, funded by the government, provides advice on legal aid eligibility and offers general information about criminal _______.

Private funding (own resources) is when you pay for your own legal representation and associated costs using their personal funds. Pro: freedom of _____, cons: high cost

Means test: If income is below a set ___, they automatically qualify for legal aid. If their income is above a certain threshold, they are ineligible for legal aid. If it's in the middle, they are assessed individually.

1) If the defendant risks imprisonment, losing his livelihood, or serious reputational harm. 2) If the case involves a consideration of a ____ of law. 3) If the case may involve the tracing, interviewing or expert cross-examination of witnesses. 4) It is in the interests of another person that the individual be represented. 5) If the defendant does not have the ability to understand the court proceedings or defend themselves adequately.