The new independent Legal Aid Committee is reminding the public that they can help shape the future of access to justice for those without the means to pay for it.
The committee is conducting the first fundamental review of the island’s legal aid system for 14 years and began an open public consultation in September.
The consultation asks for comments regarding the ability of the current legal aid system to provide: fairness and equity in access to justice; effective use of limited resources and value for money; transparency, simplicity and efficiency; professionalism and continuous quality improvement in practice; and a service shaped around the needs of its customers, clients, and users.
The committee is also keen to encourage respondents to be unhindered by the operation of the existing arrangements and to provide ideas and express options for alternative approaches which may deliver the above principles more effectively.
Submissions should be sent to legalaidconsultation@gov.im or Kevan Cubbon, Legal Aid Committee, c/o General Registry, Deemster’s Walk, Buck’s Road, Douglas, IM1 3AR, by November 28.