The Justice Ministry plans to introduce new legislation that would force every lawyer to provide free legal services to at least nine poor litigants a year.
Sources at the ministry reportedly said that officials have already produced draft legislation on the matter, which would be published soon.
The ministry plans to introduce the law because of the increasing numbers of people who cannot afford legal representation. It is aimed at ensuring that justice is served at the country's courts, the sources said.
This is similar to legislation in European countries, said Sultan bin Zahim, who was a member of the committee assigned to produce the legislation.
The law would require each lawyer to provide the ministry with a list of nine pro bono cases a year. They would have to provide their poor clients free consultations, defense, follow up and appear in court on their behalf, the sources said.
Each lawyer would be connected to the ministry’s general directorate for lawyers, to ensure effective monitoring.
Poor may get free legal services soon
