The Imperative of Legal Aid to Access to Justice in Nigeria

The book offers a presentation of the importance of legal aid for the effective provision of legal assistance and access to justice to the poor and indigent. This is against the backdrop that access to justice can only be realized when individuals approach the court to protect and defend their rights. Access to the courts is guaranteed for the poor and indigent when they are provided with legal assistance through any of the models discussed in this book. The operation of the legal aid system of Nigeria and other jurisdictions like the United Kingdom, United States of America, South Africa and other jurisdictions in Africa are analyzed and challenges identified. The way forward for the implementation of an effective legal aid system is also suggested in the book. The book is useful for practitioners and students of law in their practice and study of legal systems and the realization of justice through courts of law.