Legal Aid
Legal aid is important. Without it, many people simply wouldn’t be able to get the legal help and advice they need.
Legal aid is help towards the costs of legal advice and representation, for those who qualify, paid for out of public funds. It is designed to help individuals on low and modest incomes gain access to the legal system. Legal aid may be free, or someone may have to pay towards the cost of their case. Legal aid is accessed through a solicitor.
The Scottish Legal Aid Board runs the Scottish legal aid system. Ministers in the Scottish Government decide legal aid policy. The Scottish Parliament makes and changes legislation – including the tests for granting legal aid. These tests are then applied to every single case.
Legal aid can provide help in civil, criminal and children’s cases. Find out more information on:
About legal aid available for your circumstances
How to apply for legal aid
Where to get more information