Evening star., 1934-02-11

cases handled and the amounts COLI
lected on behalf Of distressed indi-
viduals. In 1920 there we're 96,034
cases handled and $685., 1896 was col
lected. The last year of prosperity,
1929, saw cases numbering III ,96l
and the sums collected s302,326. In
1882 the cases had mounted to 307.-
673 and the money to $815, ,440. Thus,
in dozen years, the number Of cases
handled without fee increased, about
ninefold.
To be sure, the type Of individual
whose legal needs we're met might
never be a very profitable source Of
business TO any lawyer, but the idea
behind legal aid work Is not the
nursing of potential clients in the
hope Of future fees. but an assurance
that equal opportunity for justice be
enjoyed by all citizens regardless Of
economic position. The attitude of
the legal profession in the matter is
expressed by resolution of the
American Bar Association, adopted
about a decade ago. 1t says, in part:
There is a direct responsibility,
both civic and professional, on men,
bers Of the bar to see to 1t that no
person with righteous cause is un-
able to have his day in court because
Of his inability to pay for the services
of counsel"
How Legal Aid Bureaus Function.
The American Bar Association has
for years maintained a Standing
Committee on Legal Aid. The most
recent report of the associations
Standing Committee points out that
not only has the demand for free
legal aid been heavier during the
hard times, but the funds Of the legal
aid societies have been seriously cur
! tailed. The causes responsible for one
set Of circumstances are responsible
! for the other.
In one noteworthy case. that of
the Philadelphia Municipal Legal Aid
Bureau, there has been a complete
breakdown. That bureau was sup
ported out of municipal funds and
because of the difficulties suffered by
Philadelphia in maintaining its
budget the work had to be suspend
ed. To take its place, Philadelphia
lawyers are now engaged in organ
izing a legal aid society to be sup
!
The largest contribution is made in
the form Of services performed by
lawyers without charge. But court
fees have to be met and other un-
avoidable cash expenses. Money to
meet these charges must come from
some source. and it has been the
| practice among the various legal aid
societies to raise funds by private
subscriptions. 1t is usual for local
bar associations where they exist. to
take a leading part in the raising of
the necessary money. and individual
members Of both bar and legal aid
societies are accustomed TO take cases
| into their own Offices and make the
necessary court appearances.
While business and general eco
nomic conditions are improved the
/ need for large amount of legal aid
has not lessened. Indeed, the Ameri-
can Bar Association Committee has
expressed itself as feeling there may
even be an increase rising out of the
many adjustments and settlements
incident to transition. The commit
tee observes:
The whole effort Of the Federal
and State Governments to improve
economic conditions is based on new
laws creating new rights, remedies,
duties and responsibilities. 1t Is the
view of the association and Of lawyers
generally that they should aid freely
In bringing about better social condi-
tions,