Free legal aid in France – historical development, legal framework, and value foundations
Malgorzata Augustyniak
Uniwersytet Warmińsko-Mazurski w Olsztynie UWMhttps://orcid.org/0000-0002-5958-1992
Abstract
The aim of this article is to present the forms of free legal aid in France from axiological, historical, and normative perspectives. Based on the assumption that access to justice is a prerequisite for realizing civic equality, the publication shows how the idea and practice of legal aid have developed throughout French history. The text analyzes the evolution of the system — from medieval and pre-revolutionary charitable legal practices, through the Legal Aid Act of 1851, to the current regulations from 1991 and reforms introduced in the 21st century.
This article aims to present the forms of free legal aid in France from axiological, historical, and normative perspectives. Starting from the premise that access to justice is a prerequisite for the realisation of civic equality, the publication explores how the idea and practice of legal aid have developed in France over time. The text analyses the evolution of the system – from medieval and pre-revolutionary forms of legal charity, through the Act of 1851, to the current regulations introduced in 1991 and the reforms of the 21st century. It discusses the contemporary model of state-funded legal aid, the criteria for granting such assistance (both material and procedural), the scope of services provided, and the institutions responsible for its implementation. The conclusions emphasise the importance of solidarity and equality as the core values justifying the state’s obligation to ensure real access to the law for all citizens, regardless of their financial situation. The article also highlights the challenges of effectively reaching the so-called “middle class” and the role of technology in improving legal aid mechanisms.
Keywords:
right to free legal aid, access to justice, France, civic equality, public service, legal aid officesReferences
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https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5958-1992
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