NCJ Number
12936
Journal
American Bar Association Journal Volume: 59 Dated: (DECEMBER 1973) Pages: 1407-1411
Date Published
1973
Length
5 pages
Annotation
ARGUMENT THAT JUDICARE, A SYSTEM WHERE PRIVATE ATTORNEYS ARE REIMBURSED FOR REPRESENTING THE POOR, IS SUPERIOR TO THE STAFFED OFFICE 'LEGAL SERVICES' CONCEPT.
Abstract
THE AUTHOR SUGGESTS THAT DUE ONLY TO OVERSIMPLIFICATION OF THE PROBLEMS OF CHANGING THE LEGAL STATUS OF THE POOR, AND TO HISTORICAL ACCIDENT DID THE GOVERNMENT ADOPT THE SINGLE OFFICE 'LEGAL SERVICES' CONCEPT. HE CONTENDS THAT IN ADDITION TO JUDICARE BEING ABLE TO REACH THE POOR MORE EASILY, THE POOR CLIENTS CAN 'SHOP AROUND' FOR AN ATTORNEY, RATHER THAN BEING FORCED TO ACCEPT ONE ASSIGNED BY LEGAL SERVICES. FURTHERMORE, THE QUALITY OF REPRESENTATION BY PRIVATE LAWYERS COMPARES FAVORABLY TO THAT GIVEN BY 'POVERTY LAWYERS', WHILE BEING AT LEAST AS ECONOMICAL. SHOULD A SYSTEM SUCH AS JUDICARE BE ADOPTED, LEGAL SERVICES OFFICES NOW IN EXISTENCE COULD BE MAINTAINED AS COORDINATING AND ADMINISTRATING AGENCIES, AND BE AVAILABLE FOR BACK-UP PURPOSES IF THE NEED SHOULD ARISE.