Legal Aid/Access to Justice

10.1.24

eg 3 reasons that people struggle to access justice?

lack of knowledge
fear
cost

What types of civil cases are eligible for legal aid?

domestic violence
children’s rights
mental health
asylum claims

What is the first step of means testing?

gross income

What is the maximum gross income eligible for legal aid?

£2,657

What is assessed after gross income during means testing?

disposable income

What is the max of disposable income allowed to qualified for legal aid?

£733

What is assessed after disposable income during means testing?

disposable capital

What is the max of disposable capital to qualify for legal aid?

£8,000

What is a problem with the means testing system?

Only first £100,000 is taken into consideration

When was legal aid stripped back?

2013

What act was legal aid stripped back under?

LASPO (2012)

LASPO

Legal aid sentencing and punishment of offenders

Eg helpline for legal aid

Legal Aid Agency Helpline

3 examples for getting legal advice

Citizen’s Advice Bureaux

Trade Unions

Law Centres

No win no fee agreement

If the defendant doesn’t win, they don’t have to pay any fees

What legal aid is provided on point of arrest?

Duty solicitor

Who automatically gets legal aid in mag courts?

Income support

Under 16

Under 18 in full time education

Gross income under £22,325

Who doesn’t get legal aid in crown court?

£37,000+ disposable income