Access to justice underpins our democracy. Citizens have to have confidence in the rule of law and that they can obtain advice, assistance and representation where it is necessary to enforce their rights. The legal aid system is crucial in ensuring this democratic participation.

Carol Storer
Director, Legal Aid Practitioners Group

In tough times, legal redress for the vulnerable becomes even more important – when you are in need, access to the justice system doesn’t seem like such a luxury. Legal aid isn’t an ‘added extra’, designed to linelawyers’ pockets; rather it is a vital part of the welfare state.

Shami Chakrabarti
Director, Liberty

Our society is underpinned by laws and regulation, many of which make little sense to the average citizen. Legal aid helps the public navigate the justice system, access their rights and resolve problems. In many cases recourse to legal aid may be a one-off event, but it can change peoples' lives. As a service it has a real public value, so long may it continue.

Des Hudson
Chief Executive, The Law Society

This publication makes an excellent contribution to the public debate that needs to happen about the future of legal aid. For 60 years Legal Aid has provided access to justice for millions of people ensuring the rule of law prevails. It does not though enjoy the same public profile or support as other public services. Constant wrangles about how much, the hard pressed lawyers and latterly, not for profit organisations, get paid to provide the service dominate what political debate there is on its future. What really matters- is what access to good quality legal advice services can do for ordinary people and the frequent failure of the legal aid system to provide this.

Steve Hynes
Director, Legal Action Group

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