Aswini, Government Law College, Pudupakkam, TNDALU
R. Sarankumar, Bharath Institute of Law
A.U. Anisha, Bharath Institute of Law
ABSTRACT
This research article investigates the availability and effectiveness of legal aid services in family courts, focusing on access to justice for economically disadvantaged individuals. Through a mixed-methods approach, including quantitative analysis of court records and qualitative interviews with stakeholders, the study highlights the role of the Tamil Nadu State Legal Services Authority (TNSLSA) and NGOs in providing legal aid through clinics, helplines, and court-based cells. Despite these services, accessibility issues persist, especially in rural and suburban areas where awareness is limited. Eligibility criteria for legal aid are often not well-publicized, leaving many potential beneficiaries uninformed. Interviews indicate that while many legal aid lawyers are competent, high caseloads and limited resources undermine the quality of representation. Training for legal aid lawyers is essential but currently lacking in depth and frequency. Quantitative data shows that legal aid recipients generally achieve better outcomes than those without representation, although success rates vary based on case complexity and lawyer resources. The study identifies key challenges, including inadequate funding, low public awareness, and insufficient monitoring and evaluation. Recommendations include increased funding, enhanced training programs, comprehensive public awareness campaigns, and robust evaluation mechanisms to improve the effectiveness of legal aid services, ensuring equitable access to justice in family courts.
Keywords: Legal Aid, Legal services, Civil Legal Aid, Nonprofit Legal Services, Low cost services.
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