Smith, Welch, Webb & White, LLC’s Post

The rule of law is more than theory - it is why we do what we do, in each part of the legal profession & why we are proud to do what we do. I agree Paul G Tucker KC hence reposting!

“The justice system is in a critical condition and existing justice policy is at a dead end... It is time for a total rethink and our manifesto sets out what we think should be the key priorities for the next government." - Samuel Townend KC launching the Bar Council #manifestoforjustice today. The manifesto sets out 8 recommendations for the next government: 1. Establish a Royal Commission on the criminal justice system. 2. Ensure that Crown Court trials have a start date within six months of the first hearing. 3. Invest to secure a sustainable and resilient justice system that commands public trust and confidence. 4. Recognise the courts as a vital public service that is the foundation stone of a good society – just like schools and hospitals. 5. Support communities by providing easily accessible and trusted early legal advice – online and locally. 6. Ensure access to justice by widening the scope of legal aid eligibility across civil, family and crime. 7. Uphold, respect, and promote the rule of law. 8. Promote the Bar’s position as an internationally respected world leader and recognise the value of legal services. Read our press release and download the manifesto at: https://lnkd.in/eGpha5HD

See a link to our manifesto for justice below

Interesting look at the unique hurdles in access to justice facing rural communities and possible solutions. The authors argue that the rural attorney shortage and rural access to justice are distinct but related phenomena.

Access to Justice Week focuses our awareness on the significance of providing equal access to legal programs and services for every person. #A2JWeekCan In this blog post, Melissa Luhtanen, Senior Legal Counsel to the Chief of the Commission and Tribunals, outlines some of the programs that the Commission has initiated to work toward improving services for Albertans and fostering access to justice: https://lnkd.in/gy66gSjy

Today in History: Public Law 98-534 was signed on October 19, 1984, establishing the Law Enforcement Officers Fund. Learn more about this important legislation.

Are you interested in social justice, consider studying law and public service in college. #lawschool #politicalscience #socialjustice #criminialjustice #publicservice #college #highereducation

🏛️𝐀𝐝𝐝𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐉𝐮𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐜𝐞 𝐆𝐚𝐩: 𝐊𝐞𝐲 𝐅𝐢𝐧𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬 𝐟𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝐋𝐒𝐂'𝐬 2024 𝐑𝐞𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭🏛️ Recently, the Legal Services Corporation issued their Justice Gap Report for the United States. 📊 𝐏𝐫𝐞𝐯𝐚𝐥𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐋𝐞𝐠𝐚𝐥 𝐈𝐬𝐬𝐮𝐞𝐬: 72% of low-income households faced civil legal problems last year, with consumer, healthcare, housing, and income maintenance being the most common issues. 💔 𝐈𝐦𝐩𝐚𝐜𝐭 𝐨𝐧 𝐋𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐬: Over 55% reported these issues significantly impacted their lives, affecting their finances, health, and safety. 💸 𝐁𝐚𝐫𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐭𝐨 𝐀𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞: Only 25% of substantial legal problems received legal help. Cost is a major barrier, with 46% avoiding legal help due to financial concerns and 53% unsure if they could afford a lawyer. ⚖️ 𝐉𝐮𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐜𝐞 𝐆𝐚𝐩: Despite efforts, 92% of significant civil legal issues remain inadequately addressed, highlighting a critical need for more resources. 📢 We can do better! Let's work together to advocate for the resources needed to bridge this gap and ensure equal access to justice for all. #JusticeGap #LegalAid #AccessToJustice #LSCReport #LegalServices Read more: https://lnkd.in/e3x9yYK7

Commit to advancing people-centered reforms, ensuring access to legal services for everyone, and promoting transparency in justice institutions. Learn more about Justice and all 10 Open Gov Challenge areas at bit.ly/open-gov-challenge

Earlier this month, Mayor Muriel Bowser released an initial budget proposal for Fiscal Year 2025, which among other cuts, proposes to reduce funding for DC’s Access to Justice Initiative by two-thirds – from approximately $31.5 million in 2024 to $10.5 million in 2025. This major reduction in funding will significantly impact over 200 District agencies and community organizations that serve low-income DC residents facing legal challenges. As part of its mission to protect the rights of Iranian Americans and other minority groups, the DC Chapter of the Iranian American Bar Association believes that the proposed cuts to the Access to Justice Initiative will harm District residents who rely on Legal Aid DC and other community-based organizations that provide civil legal services with funding from the Access to Justice Initiative. We echo the calls of the D.C. Bar Pro Bono Center and other civil legal service providers and urge the DC City Council to restore the proposed funding cuts to the Access to Justice Program to avoid devastating impacts to low-income DC residents and the organizations that serve them.