The matter of self-representation is a strong social issue. Many believe the cost of lawyers is to blame preventing the poor, low income and even the middle-class out of being fairly represented before the courts.

As you research the issue, you'll find that most of the criticism is held for the civil courts, particularly family courts, where someone to come to court in itself can be seen as a form of financial abuse.

Also as you research, you'll find that access to a fair justice system is fundamental right in a democratic society however many criticize that we don't resource it adequately.

Finally, there is plenty of research that has found the poor, undereducated and under-represented form the majority of prisoners in this country. This fact is frequently tied to how only the rich can afford the best lawyer and the under-privileged are left virtually defending themselves and so feeding the cycle.For this major course assignment, research the issues with self-representation, how it negatively effects our justice system and what policy can be put in place to address this issue.

Please feel free to research however you like.

• Legal Aid - how does it work? http://www.legalaid.on.ca/en/about/
• Information for Self-Represented Accused Persons with Criminal Cases in the Ontario Court of Justice: https://www.ontariocourts.ca/ocj/covid-19/information-for-self-represented-accused-persons-with-criminal-cases/
• Ministry of the Attorney General, which oversees the crown attorney's office, explores the issues around self-representation:
  • www.macleans.ca/news/canada/when-lawyers-are-only-for-the-rich/
• The Access to Justice Act:
  • https://www.ontario.ca/laws/statute/s21004
  • https://laws-lois.justice.gc.ca/eng/acts/j-2/index.html
• Unrepresented Litigants:
  • https://www.attorneygeneral.jus.gov.on.ca/english/about/pubs/cjrp/080_unrepresented.php
  • http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/representing-self-court-lawyers-1.3375609
• A judge's view on one of the biggest problems facing the justice system: http://www.macleans.ca/news/canada/a-judges-view-on-one-of-the-biggest-problems-facing-the-justice-system/
• Remarks of the Right Honourable Beverley McLachlin, P.C.,Toronto, March 8, 2007, The Challenges We Face: http://www.0avocat.ca/portal/en/ArticleView.php?article_id=26'
• Bob Tarantino: When even the attorney general can't afford a lawyer: http://news.nationalpost.com/full-comment/bob-tarantino-the-cost-of-legal-self-defence-in-canada-300000

Answer rating: 100% (QA)

ANSWER The issue of selfrepresentation in the justice system particularly in civil courts such as family courts is multifaceted and has significant implications for access to justice and fairness Here... View the full answer