ABSTRACT
The need for access to justice was recognised in the twentieth century but it was not until the middle of that century that a publicly funded system was first set up in England. During the twentieth century a government-funded scheme of legal aid and advice was developed. The aim was to provide a scheme which allowed the poor and those of 'modest means' access to justice so that the poorer members of society could obtain advice and be represented in the courts. Under the Access to Justice Act 1999, there was a major reform of the legal aid system. The Legal Aid, Sentencing and Punishment of Offenders Act 2012 abolished the Legal Services Commission. The system works by the government making contracts with providers of legal services so that the providers be paid from government funds. Providers include law firms and not-for-profit organisations, such as the Citizens Advice Bureau (CAB) offering advice on legal matters.
