SkillBuilder discussion Investigating contemporary Civics and Citizenship issues 1. Discuss what the cost of meeting with a legal professional might be. 2. What may cause the costs to be higher than you may have anticipated?
FIGURE2 Everyone has the right to legal representation. However, consultations with legal professionals can be expensive, which excludes some people from accessing it.
Legal aid commissions Each state and territory has a legal aid commission. They are funded by the government and provide legal assistance, legal information and advice, and lawyers for people going to court. Legal aid services are free unless ongoing help is needed, in which case a small feemay apply. Names vary by state, like the Legal Service Commission South Australia, Victoria Legal Aid and Tasmania Legal Aid. Legal information is free on legal aid websites in 36 languages. There are strict eligibility rules for those needing a legal aid lawyer to represent them in court. Legal aid services work with private law ýrms to help more people. Lawyers volunteer as duty lawyers to support those without a lawyer in court.
SkillBuilder discussion Investigating contemporary Civics and Citizenship issues 1. What support does legal aid offer? 2. Who can receive help from legal aid? 3. Why is legal aid important for people?
FIGURE3 What legal aid provides
Legal aid
A lawyer for those who cannot afford one
Legal information
Legal advice
Education
502 Jacaranda Humanities Alive 7 Victorian Curriculum Third Edition
Made with FlippingBook interactive PDF creator