Legal aid is a form of assistance provided to individuals who cannot afford legal representation or court access. Legal aid still exists in many countries, including the UK, but the availability and scope of legal aid vary depending on the jurisdiction.
In the UK, legal aid is still available for certain types of cases, such as:
- Criminal cases where the defendant faces a custodial sentence or the loss of their liberty
- Cases involving child protection and domestic violence
- Cases involving mental health law
- Cases involving immigration and asylum
However, there have been significant cuts to legal aid funding in recent years, and the eligibility criteria have become more restrictive. In some cases, individuals may be required to pay some of the costs of their legal representation, depending on their income and assets.
Legal aid is not available for all legal matters. Individuals may need to seek alternative funding options or represent themselves if they cannot afford legal representation.
