MJ: Over PLN 1 bln for free legal advice
15:50
The execution of an act, whose draft has been approved by the government, according to which the poorest citizens will gain access to the free legal advice will cost more than PLN 1 billion over the next ten years.
Minister of Justice Cezary Grabarczyk said on Thursday that the aim of the act is to create a system of legal help for people who can not afford it.
"Thus, we are eliminating exclusion from legal services, and what's most important, the state will guarantee services of the highest quality," said Grabarczyk.
The system will be based on three pillars: legal help, legal information and legal education. All three will be free of charge to eligible citizens. On January 1, the launch of the first element is expected. The Ministry estimates that some 1,500 outlets offering legal help will be established.
Eligible citizens include those entitled to social assistance, seniors, who have turned 75 years old, large families, veterans and victims of natural disasters or technical malfunctions. In total, some 5 million people may gain access to free legal service.
The Ministry estimates that the cost of operation of one outlet will stand approximately at PLN 5,000/month.
