NCJ Number
28996
Date Published
1971
Length
64 pages
Annotation
ANALYSIS OF FINDINGS OF INTERVIEWS WITH 638 WOMEN INMATES OF HOLLOWAY PRISON IN 1967 TO DETERMINE THEIR SOCIAL, MEDICAL, AND CRIMINAL BACKGROUNDS; THE INTERVIEWS YIELDED SIGNIFICANT DATA ON THE PRESENT SYSTEM OF LEGAL AID.
Abstract
THE IMPORTANCE OF GETTING INDEPENDENT LEGAL ADVICE BEFORE THE COURT HEARING WAS THE FUNDAMENTAL POINT WHICH EMERGED DURING THE SURVEY. IN MANY CASES THE ACCUSED WERE SIMPLY UNAWARE OF THE EXISTENCE OF LEGAL AID, AND IN OTHERS THEY KNEW IT EXISTED BUT WERE UNAWARE OF THE IMPLICATIONS OF THEIR CRIMINAL CHARGE OR THEIR OWN NEED FOR LEGAL ADVICE. POLICE URGINGS TO PLEAD GUILTY SHOWED UP FREQUENTLY IN CASES OF INCONSISTENT PLEADING. THE AUTHOR REVIEWS THE PRESENT LEGAL AID SYSTEM AS WELL AS PROPOSALS FOR AMENDING IT. (AUTHOR ABSTRACT MODIFIED)