Only one in five (21%) believes justice is accessible, warns the Law Society of England and Wales.
This warning comes as research by the Law Society and the Legal Services Board reveals that the justice system is not open for all, as one in three (38%) with legal issues did not receive any help. One in ten (13%) assumed it was too expensive, 8% did not know how to find an advisor and 5% believed it was too difficult.
There is also a lack of awareness about what legal aid is available for. Three in ten (29%) did not know it was available for any issues, half (49%) said it was available just for crime-related issues; and two in five (43%) said it was available for domestic violence. Law Society president Nick Emmerson said:
“There is alarmingly little confidence in access to justice or awareness of legal aid.
Those on lower incomes, who are likely to be eligible for legal aid, are also more likely to think legal aid is unavailable.
It is disheartening that our justice system has failed to provide support for those who cannot pay legal costs.
Not only have massive cuts in legal aid left countless without access to justice, but weak public legal education has also left millions in the dark.
We will continue to push the UK government to invest in solutions that ensure accessible justice for all, a strong legal aid system and better public legal education.”
