NCJ Number
29954
Date Published
Unknown
Length
102 pages
Annotation
THIS SURVEY EXAMINED THE PROVISION OF LEGAL AID IN CRIMINAL PROCEEDINGS IN THE WEST MIDLANDS (ENGLAND) DURING THE FIRST YEAR OF OPERATION OF THE 1967 CRIMINAL JUSTICE ACT.
Abstract
THIS STUDY INVOLVED A STATISTICAL ANALYSIS OF LEGAL AND APPLICATIONS IN FOUR MAGISTRATES' COURTS, RESPONSES FROM SOLICITOR, JUSTICE CLERK, AND DEFENDANT QUESTIONNAIRES, AND A STUDY OF THE ADMINISTRATION OF LEGAL AND IN THE FOUR COURTS. THIS REPORT EXAMINES THE BACKGROUND TO THE EXISTING SYSTEM OF LEGAL AID IN CRIMINAL PROCEEDINGS AND THEN CONSIDERS IN DETAIL THE VARIOUS FACETS OF THE SYSTEM AS IT IS WORKING IN THE PRACTICE OF THE COURTS UNDER REVIEW - THE PUBLICITY GIVEN TO THE SYSTEM, THE FORMS USED TO APPLY FOR LEGAL AID, THE PRACTICE OF THE COURTS IN GRANTING OR REFUSING LEGAL AID, THE CONTRIBUTION SYSTEM, THE COST OF LEGAL AID, ADVICE FOR APPEALS, AND THE EFFECT OF THE SYSTEM ON RECIPIENTS OF LEGAL AID AND ON THE LEGAL PROFESSION. RECOMMENDATIONS FOR IMPROVEMENT ARE MADE IN EACH AREA. IN THE LAST TWO CHAPTERS, THE AUTHORS SPECULATE ON WHAT FURTHER DEMANDS MAY BE MADE ON THE SYSTEM IN THE FUTURE AND WAYS IN WHICH SUCH DEMANDS MAY BE MET. APPENDED ARE COPIES OF SURVEY QUESTIONNAIRES AND A SAMPLE DEFENDANT CONTRIBUTION ASSESSMENT FORM. LEGAL AID IS HERE DEFINED AS THE PROVISION OF A LAWYER, FREE OF CHARGE UNLESS A CONTRIBUTORY SYSTEM OPERATES, TO ADVISE AND REPRESENT A DEFENDANT. (AUTHOR ABSTRACT MODIFIED)