Skip to main content
Work with the NEU
Legal aid – happy birthday and goodbye?
Established today 70 years ago, legal aid has given the poor protection from the law – now it hangs in the balance, explains LUCY WOOD
Lady Justice [WilliamCho/Creative Commons]

ON July 30 1949 the Legal Aid and Advice Act was passed, adding another pillar to the growing welfare state under Clement Attlee’s Labour government. However, like many public services, it is in crisis due to cuts in funding.

Criminal justice solicitor Lucy Osborn has specialised in criminal defence work for many years and spoke about her concern over what she described as a “broken” justice system.

“Everybody needs legal aid — it’s fundamental to our society and access to justice should be there for everyone. Sadly, that’s not the case. If you earn over £236 a week you are unlikely to receive legal aid in a magistrate’s court.”

The 95th Anniversary Appeal
Support the Morning Star
You have reached the free limit.
Subscribe to continue reading.
Similar stories
FW Pomeroy's Statue of Justice stands atop the Central Criminal Court building, Old Bailey, London
Features / 9 August 2025
9 August 2025

ANSELM ELDERGILL examines the government’s proposals to further limit the right of citizens to trial by jury

MORE QUESTIONS THAN ANSWERS: AI Truth Machine / LIT Law Lab,
Features / 12 April 2025
12 April 2025
ANSELM ELDERGILL asks whether artificial intelligence may decide legal cases in the future, in place of human judges, and how AI could reshape the legal landscape
ELECTED TO PROTECT THE POOR: Work and Pensions Secretary Liz
Features / 2 April 2025
2 April 2025
Due to the actions of this government, the challenges facing those with disabilities, such as spinal cord injuries, are nigh on insurmountable, argus RUTH HUNT