Sejm passes act on free legal advice

Sejm, the lower chamber of the parliament has approved an act, according to which a system of legal help for people who can not afford it will be established. Eligible citizens include indigent seniors, who have turned 65 years old, young people under 26,  large families, veterans and victims of natural disasters or technical malfunctions. The system will be based on two pillars: legal help and legal education. All two will be free of charge to eligible citizens. On January 1, the launch of the first element is expected. Some 1,500 outlets offering legal help may be established. The Ministry of Justice had earlier estimated that the cost of operation of one outlet will stand approximately at PLN 5,000/month.