In Singapore, access to justice is a fundamental right, and various initiatives ensure that individuals who cannot afford legal representation receive the help they need. One of the key programs in this area is the Criminal Legal Aid Scheme (CLAS).
CLAS is a pro bono initiative that provides free criminal legal assistance to individuals who meet specific criteria. This scheme is administered by the Law Society Pro Bono Services (LSPBS) and plays a crucial role in ensuring fair representation for accused persons who might otherwise be unable to defend themselves adequately in court.
CLAS has evolved to offer specialized legal aid in various areas of criminal law. Some of the key specializations include:
This specialization ensures that accused persons receive targeted and expert legal representation, tailored to the specific nature of their cases.
To qualify for assistance under CLAS, individuals typically need to meet certain criteria:
By providing specialized pro bono services through CLAS, Singapore aims to uphold the principles of justice and ensure that all accused persons, regardless of their financial situation, have access to quality legal representation.