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Providing safe and secure communities
April 24, 2007
Revised
New law information centres improve access to justice
Edmonton... New Law Information Centres help individuals who represent themselves in court avoid costly errors and delays by providing greater access to legal support and information about court processes.
The Law Information Centres (LiNC), now open in Edmonton and Red Deer, help Albertans who choose to represent themselves in civil and criminal cases learn about general court procedures and access legal information such as cases and precedents. The centres also offer support in filling out forms and documentation and provide referrals to legal representation available through various non-profit agencies. All services provided are free.
"We have seen an increase in number of individuals choosing to represent themselves in court in the last few years," said Ron Stevens, Minister of Justice. "Unfortunately, Albertans who do not have a legal background often find the court system difficult to navigate on their own and this can lead to delays. Our goal is to provide access to legal information and reduce the frustration and the amount of time needed to deal with court cases involving self-represented litigants."
Before the centres opened, there was not a central location to either access information on courtroom procedure or to find support in understanding the justice system in Alberta.
"Making appropriate information available to assist Albertans before, during, and after their day in court, will reduce the amount of court time needed for these cases and reduce delays overall," added Stevens.
Improving access to the justice system is part of Premier Ed Stelmach's plan to provide safe and secure communities. Other priorities for the government are to build a stronger Alberta, manage growth pressures, improve Albertans' quality of life and govern with integrity and transparency.
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Revised: This news release was amended April 24, 2007.
Media enquiries may be directed to:
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Mark Cooper |
Barbara Engelbart |
To call toll-free within Alberta dial 310-0000
Copyright(c); 2007 Government of Alberta