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The Definition Of Indigency: A Modern-Day Legal Jabberwocky., Charles E. Evans

St. Mary's Law Journal

It is appropriate for legal scholars to attempt to identify what the term “indigency” means as a legal standard as it elicits large disparities in connotation, and therefore, in treatment. In fact, there are so many connotations to choose from that different jurisdictions often look upon the word as a flexible standard which is inherently vague. Such vagueness can only lead to abuse by those who do not really need financial assistance. Three main views exist regarding the proper definition of the word. One group of scholars argues that “indigency” standards should be based on actual income, while a second …