 |
|
Why have we given a whole section to Legal Services?
This is because the Legal Services web site is extremely useful and is one of the few web sites that contain both general and specific information relating to BME issues.
Why have we not just directed you straight to Legal services web site?
The Legal Services web site is excellent, large and informative. In order to help you easily access the information we have provided you with an overview. We have copied what we judged to be the most BME specific sections the from the Legal Services site. Should you need more in depth information please visit the Legal Services Commision web site. It is well worth the visit.
Legal Services Commission (Overview of services)
The legal aid schemes
The Legal Services Commission is an executive non-departmental public body. They are sponsored by the Department for Constitutional Affairs and their work is overseen by a board of independent Commissioners.The Commission is responsible, on behalf of the Government, for two schemes:
1. Community Legal Services (CLS)
This helps people get the quality advice they need to tackle the problems they face. This is their contribution to helping combat social exclusion and to making the justice system fair, accessible and affordable to all.
The Community Legal Service brings together legal aid solicitors, Citizens Advice Bureaux, Law Centres, local authority services and other organisations in local networks to ensure that people can get information and advice about their legal rights and help with enforcing them
2. The Criminal Defence Service (CDS)
The Criminal Defence Service (CDS) helps people who are under investigation or facing criminal charges by ensuring that people accused of crimes have access to legal advice and representation, the CDS also helps the police and courts operate fairly and efficiently.
How to find legal information and help
You can access a range of services from the following links including information on;
- Finding legal information and advice
- Getting help with a legal problem
- Mediation
- Free services (including "pro bono")
Accessing legal aid
Their leaflets give practical information to the public on civil and criminal legal aid. They explain how and when you can get legal aid.
Plain versions of the text of each leaflet are available below, in English and Welsh where applicable
Text Size :
|
North Wales Race Equality Network |