These are difficult times in the United States
for poor people in need of vital legal assistance. Criminal defense
lawyers are overwhelmed with enormous caseloads and defendants may be afforded
little time to consult with their attorneys. The problems with civil
justice are just as severe. Thousands of our fellow citizens are unable
to receive help with legal problems because of routinely underfunded legal aid
programs.
AALS President Paul Marcus welcomes four
nationally prominent and thoughtful individuals who will discuss with him the
problems they see with access to justice. They will, in addition, propose
solutions that might actually make a genuine difference in providing the kind
of legal assistance our nation aspires to.