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Social and Behavioral Sciences Commons

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Public Affairs, Public Policy and Public Administration

Lindenwood University

Civil legal aid

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Access To Justice In The Show-Me State: Meeting The Civil Legal Needs Of Low-Income Missourians, Melissa C. Emerson Jul 2015

Access To Justice In The Show-Me State: Meeting The Civil Legal Needs Of Low-Income Missourians, Melissa C. Emerson

Missouri Policy Journal

Access to justice is a fundamental component of a healthy democracy. There is no right to an attorney in most civil legal cases in the United States, which has led to a growing justice gap. The availability of civil legal aid is largely dependent on where one is situated geographically. This article examines the current civil legal aid landscape in the state of Missouri, highlighting the funding sources, legal aid delivery mechanisms, and pro bono service among Missouri attorneys. Policy recommendations are provided that could serve to narrow the justice gap in the state.