NCJ Number
11351
Date Published
1969
Length
176 pages
Annotation
MAJOR SYSTEMS OF LEGAL AID IN THE UNITED STATES, PROBLEMS AND DEFECTS IN THE ADMINISTRATION OF LAW, AND SOLUTIONS TO REMEDY THESE DEFECTS.
Abstract
REQUIREMENTS FOR COUNSEL IN THE FEDERAL SYSTEM AND IN STATE COURTS ARE REVIEWED. DETAILED DISCUSSION IS PRESENTED ON VARIOUS ASPECTS OF THE ASSIGNED COUNSEL SYSTEM IN WHICH LAWYERS ARE APPOINTED BY THE COURT ON A CASE-BY-CASE BASIS TO REPRESENT INDIGENT DEFENDANTS. THE DEFENDER SYSTEM IN WHICH ATTORNEYS DEVOTE THEIR SERVICES TO THE SPECIALIZED PRACTICE OF REPRESENTING INDIGENT DEFENDANTS ON A FULL-TIME OR PART-TIME SALARIED BASIS IS ALSO DESCRIBED. TWO SECTIONS ARE DEVOTED TO PROBLEMS OF PROVIDING LEGAL AID FOR CRIMINAL AND CIVIL CASES. TOPICS DISCUSSED INCLUDE ELIGIBILITY FOR LEGAL AID, OFFER AND WAIVER OF COUNSEL, AND NON-DISCRIMINATION AND CIVIL RIGHTS ASSURANCES. THE SECTION ON LEGAL AID FOR THE POOR IN CIVIL CASES ALSO DEALS WITH SOME OF THE PROBLEMS WHICH CONFRONT THE POOR IN THE AREAS OF HOUSING LAW, CONSUMER LAW, AND WELFARE LAW, AS WELL AS SOME OF THE LEGAL ETHICS OF WORKING WITH THESE PEOPLE, SUCH AS FIXING THE AMOUNT OF THE FEE.