#91-647Law No. 91-647 on Legal Aid
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The French law No. 91-647, enacted on July 10, 1991, aims to ensure access to justice and legal assistance for individuals facing legal proceedings. It establishes a framework for judicial aid, which includes legal representation and support for those unable to afford legal costs. The law allows for exceptional aid to individuals who do not meet specific financial criteria when their situations warrant special consideration, ensuring broader access to legal resources. Additionally, provisions are outlined for the formation of local legal aid councils and the management of funds for legal assistance.
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Key Changes
- Introduces exceptional legal aid for individuals in need despite not meeting standard criteria.
- Establishes local councils for evaluating legal aid needs and managing resources.
- Clarifies procedures for legal aid applications before and during legal proceedings.
Obligations
What this law requires
Public repositories must provide free copies of necessary documents and certified copies to legal aid beneficiaries for procedures or enforcement measures
Each department must establish a departmental legal aid council responsible for evaluating access to justice needs and implementing an access to justice policy
Each departmental legal aid council must establish an annual report on judicial aid and access to justice assistance in the department
Legal aid offices must assess applicant resources comprehensively, including indirect income, visible standard of living indicators, movable and immovable property, and resources of spouse and household members (unless proceedings oppose them)
Provisional admission to legal aid may be pronounced in urgent cases by the bureau president or competent court president, or when procedures endanger essential living conditions of the interested party