The State Supreme Court announced today it will create a commission to find ways to help poor people obtain legal counsel.
Chief Justice Janice Holder says more people are representing themselves in civil court because they can’t afford a lawyer.
Only one in five income-eligible people will receive the legal help they need. We have 75 very dedicated legal aid attorneys in Tennessee, but they simply are not able to assist all of the many low-income Tennesseans who encounter legal problems on a daily basis. This unmet need is growing greater by the day.
Holder says the Access to Justice Commission will study issues concerning low-income Tennesseans facing legal problems, as well as develop and execute steps to address these issues. The Court will officially appoint members to the Commission in early May.
On Air - 90.3 WPLN-FM