legal system truly accessible to its citizens undermines the foundation of its democracy, its economy and its civil society.
“Equal justice under law” must not be a mere slogan. It is our nation’s promise. We can do better. We must do better.
The most common categories of legal problems involved consumer issues, housing issues, and family law issues. The most common individual legal problems involved debt collection, serious conditions problems in a rental unit and child support.
There are many general misconceptions about the legal aid system. There is no constitutionally guaranteed right to counsel in civil cases, as there is in the criminal justice system. This is true despite the fact that the potential consequences of many civil legal problems – the loss of custody of a child, the denial of benefits to cover essential medical care, the loss of a home to foreclosure – are as grave as the penalties for some criminal offenses.
There is also a common misconception that legal aid is a service provided by the federal government. The two most prominent sources of legal assistance are not-for-profit legal aid programs and attorneys in private practice. Other potential sources of assistance include government agencies, law school clinics, advocacy organizations, community groups and websites that offer legal information.
Websites for legal help and information:
LII/Legal Information Institute
www.law.cornell.eduOn this website, run by Cornell University Law School, you can find federal and state statutes, regulations, and U.S. Supreme Court cases.
Justia
www.justia.comJustia provides access to state and federal statutes and hosts over 2,000 legal blogs. Justia also lets consumers ask questions online and get answers from attorneys.
Oyez
www.oyez.orgOyez is the most comprehensive website covering the U.S. Supreme Court. Read about past and present Justices, learn about cases and issues before the Court, listen to oral arguments, and more.
LawHelp.org
www.lawhelp.orgLawHelp (a project of www.probono.net, which assists volunteer attorneys) provides state-by-state links to free local legal aid programs ready to help low- and moderate-income Americans.
Legal Services Corporation
www.LSC.govLSC is the grandmother of legal aid programs - a federally funded nonprofit corporation that provides grants to local legal aid programs in all 50 states. On LSC's website, you'll find links to local LSC-funded programs and lots of helpful information about the law.
National Association of Consumer Advocates
www.NACA.netNACA is a membership organization of attorneys that represent consumers who have been victimized by fraudulent, abusive, and predatory business practices. The NACA website offers tips on the latest consumer scams to watch out for and helps consumers understand how to protect their rights.
