Abstract:
In order to fully realize the potential of access to justice for all, the legislative framework for the provision of legal aid will need to be at its best. This study analyses in detail the legislative framework for the provision of legal aid with a particular focus on the Legal Aid Act 2016(herein the Act). The study examines how effective the Act has been in promotion of access to justice to all. The study begins by discussing the concept of access to justice in general and what it entails, buttressed by various laws, case laws, literature sources and human rights instruments. It goes ahead to discuss the gist of the paper which is the efficacy of the Act in promoting access to justice. This study will therefore critically analyze the Act. It will advance arguments demonstrating how progressive the Act is, but will also advance arguments showing the weaknesses of the Act. All these arguments are advanced in the context of access to justice. In the end, a few recommendations will be outlined in order to cure any mischiefs in the Act. This is the primary objective of this study.
