INTRODUCTION
The Scottish Executive is working to modernise the legal
aid system in Scotland. We are taking action to widen
access to quality legal advice and information. The key
current initiatives under way are:
- The financial criteria for eligibility for legal
aid were changed recently to provide more access
- A programme of reform to criminal legal aid has
been under way since 1998: the pilot Public Defence
Solicitor's Office running in Edinburgh from 1998 is
now to be extended to other areas in Scotland
- A major programme of reform to civil legal aid was
announced in February 2003
Development and pilot activity to develop a national
framework for legal information and advice has been under
way since 2001; pilot activity on "in court advice" in
civil cases in Edinburgh is to be extended to Aberdeen,
Dundee, Kilmarnock and Hamilton and Airdrie.