Legal aid means free or subsidised legal representation for people who cannot afford a lawyer. In criminal cases the state must provide a legal representative if this is in the interests of justice.
Section 35(3)(g) of the Constitution gives every accused the right to have a legal practitioner assigned at state expense if they cannot afford one and if substantial injustice would otherwise result. Legal Aid South Africa administers this service.
You face a rape charge and cannot afford an advocate. You apply for Legal Aid; the court assigns a state attorney at no cost to represent you throughout the trial.
The Advocate trains you to use your rights out loud — 389 real scenarios grounded in South African law and Scripture with exact rebuttals and law references. Free to start.
Browse Rights Scenarios — Free