Access to Justice

Question 1

sources of legal advice

Answer 1

citizen’s advice bureau
law centres
solicitors and barristers
trade unions

Question 2

citizen’s advice bureau

Answer 2

(CAB) provides free advice on social welfare, debt, and legal matters through its nationwide branches, often collaborating with solicitors for pro-bono assistance.

Question 3

law centres

Answer 3

Law Centres offer free legal advice in cities, focusing on social welfare issues and addressing limited legal access. Despite funding challenges, some receive government support.

Question 4

solicitors and barristers

Answer 4

Some solicitors offer free or fixed fee initial interviews, while the Bar Pro Bono Unit provides free representation by barristers in spare time.

Question 5

trade unions

Answer 5

Trade unions provide legal services to members, including advice and representation in employment disputes and personal injury claims. Subscription fees are typically paid for these benefits.

Question 6

private funding examples

Answer 6

own resources
insurance
conditional fee agreements

Question 7

own resources

Answer 7

Individuals can fund legal representation by paying solicitors and barristers directly, although this can be expensive. This method allows for choice in representation and finding specialists in specific areas of law. In some civil cases, individuals can approach barristers directly to reduce costs.

Question 8

insurance

Answer 8

Legal insurance, like motor or home insurance, can provide individuals with free legal advice.

Question 9

conditional fee agreements

Answer 9

Conditional Fee Agreements (CFA) let clients share case risks with lawyers. If successful, clients pay solicitor fees plus a capped success fee, typically 25% of compensation. ‘No win, no fee’ arrangements encourage ‘after the event’ insurance to cover legal costs if clients lose.

Question 10

public funding for civil cases (Legal Aid, Sentencing and Punishment of Offenders Act 2012)

Answer 10

Civil Legal Advice provides free telephone advice for civil matters, while government funds for legal aid are limited and means-tested. Eligibility criteria, set by the Lord Chancellor, include financial thresholds and consideration of case importance, funding alternatives, and dispute resolution options.

Question 11

public funding for criminal cases (Legal Aid, Sentencing and Punishment of Offenders Act 2012)

Answer 11

two advice schemes (duty solicitors, advice+assistance)
representation in court (means test, interest of justice test)

Question 12

duty solicitors (advice)

Answer 12

provides ppl held at police station with free legal advice. duty solicitors provide advice on phone unless they can prove they had to attend station to heavily progress case. free to everyone, not means tested.

Question 13

advice and assistance (advice)

Answer 13

solicitor with contract w Legal Aid Agency can do criminal legal aid work free for ppl on low incomes (advice, sometimes advocacy). this is means tested.

Question 14

means test (representation in court)

Answer 14

Legal aid at Magistrates’ Court depends on strict financial criteria, while at Crown Court, it’s based on household income thresholds.

Question 15

interest of justice test (representation)

Answer 15

To qualify for funding, u must pass the ‘interest of justice’ test by meeting one of five factors: risk to liberty or livelihood, substantial legal point, inability to represent oneself, need for witness involvement, or representation in another’s interest.