11 May 2010
The Legal Practice Bill, approved by parliament on 4 May 2010, has been introduced to ensure that free legal services are available to people in rural areas and applicants to the Small Claims Court.
According to Justice and Constitutional Development Minister Jeff Radebe, legal practitioners will be required to offer a certain number of hours of free legal services to the poor on a pro bono basis once the Bill comes into effect.
This service will complement rather than replace the Legal Aid service, which is a state-paid service that currently offers free legal help to the community.
Government is also planning to introduce the Superior Courts Bill and the Constitution Amendment Bill address, which will call for high courts with divisions in all provinces to be set up, making the legal system more accessible to all citizens. Limpopo and Mpumalanga will soon have their own high courts if the Bills are passed by Parliament.
"All South Africans must enjoy equal access and protection of the law and where necessary through adjudication by the courts," said Radebe.
Read more on sagoodnews.co.za
