CRI210H1 Lecture Notes - Lecture 6: Peremptory Challenge, Legal Aid
1 Nov 2016
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Original legal system said to discriminate against the poor. Economically disadvantaged accused often had no representation whatsoever- except for murder important american case: gideon vs wainright (1963) first canadian legal aid program; ontario 1967. Only provided to those on social assistance or to those with personal income less than social assistance levels. Hiring expensive lawyers can bankrupt you, many argue that going to court itself is a financial punishment. Cost of legal aid in canada 260 million in 1988, 412 million in 1991, 600 million in. Legal aid models: 1) judi-care model, 2) public defender model 3) mixed model. Problems: over-work-lack of resources; only the very poor qualify. More likely to ask you to plead guilty. Private lawyers more likely to get you acquitted by going to trial and interested in dragging out case to make more money. Leading to new trend where low to medium income will consult with lawyers and decided to represent themselves in court.
