Three changes in trial procedure are proposed to minimize the effects of individual juror bias and those biases that are artifically induced by lawyers. Since certain personality types are likely to maintain whatever prejudices they bring to court, no one should be exempted from jury duty unless he is mentally retarded or physically incapacitated…

Presents the opinions of nine professionals serving the justice system on the issue of providing representation in criminal and civil cases for those unable to pay for lawyers. Includes questions about the obligations of lawyers to provide counsel and the differences between legal representation in civil and criminal cases. (CFR)

Describes the court case of Chicago v. Morales in which an anti-loitering ordinance challenged the constitutional right of assembly by giving the police the power to disperse anyone associated with gang members in public. Illustrates the importance of retaining Fifth Amendment rights even after pleading guilty in the case of Mitchell v. U.S. (CMK)

Presents eight case studies of lawyers who work for legal aid societies or provide free legal services to poor people. Includes quotes by the attorneys describing specific cases and why they became involved in providing free legal counsel. (CFR)

Asserts that, although legal aid is only one program that provides legal services to poor people, there was a time in U.S. history when people who could not afford a lawyer had no way of solving disputes through the judicial system. Traces the history of legal aid from 1876 through the Great Depression and the Civil Rights movement until the…

The Native Courtworker and Counselling Association of British Columbia, with objectives of providing courtworker services for Native Indians charged with offenses; supplying information on legal rights, responsibilities, and operation of the justice system; and reducing the number of Native people in conflict with the law, handled 4,860 Native…

In order to assess the quality of justice available to Native Americans in Burleigh County, North Dakota, investigations were conducted from June 1976 through April 1978 with an informal fact finding meeting as well as interviews with approximately 85 persons in Burleigh County and throughout the state. The 1970 census lists Native Americans…

Asserts that providing poor people equal access to law is a worldwide problem. Identifies and discusses three systems of legal aid services in nations throughout the world. Includes a vocabulary chart and a special section on justice in South Africa. (CFR)

Maintains that, although courts have ruled that poor people accused of crimes must be provided legal services, most court cases involve civil law. Presents a secondary school lesson in which students review 11 mock civil court cases and decide whether or not free legal counsel should be provided. (CFR)

Maintains that providing justice to people accused of a crime has evolved slowly over the centuries. Discusses the history of indigent defense in the United States. Includes vocabulary terms, a timeline, a list of "Heroes of Indigent Defense," reviews of significant court cases, and a discussion of legal services in five cities. (CFR)

Presents the history and activities of the Legal Aid Society of New York City, the largest and oldest provider of legal assistance for poor people in the United States. Presents a timeline of the society and suggested instructional activities. Provides an annotated list of six resource organizations. (CFR)