4.1 Sixth Amendment and Trump

What Will Happen to Americans Who Can't Afford an Attorney?

1. What does the Legal Services Corporation do?

The nonprofit corporation was created in 1974 and funds over a hundred civil legal-aid programs throughout the country.

2. How is this different than the role played by public defenders?

Public defenders such as attorneys are constitutionally-mandated to everyone going through the criminal justice system and experience budget issues, but civil legal-aid programs get their funding and support from parties, governments, private foundations, and other nonprofit groups. 

3. Which types of states end up getting the most help from this agency? 

Poor states rely on LSC greatly. 

4. What types of cases are they typically involved in?

They provide assistance in a wide range of cases, both criminal and civil. They can help deal with foreclosures and evictions, domestic violence and family issues, veterans benefits, consumer protection, etc. 

5. How do these services help save communities money?

They reduce the number of people from being homeless or from getting their house foreclosed, which increases the community's value. 

6. Why can't the lawyers who work for the program advocate for the program?

There are federal rules that prevent legal organizations from lobbying/participating in policy-making process. 

7. Why is this more prominent in rural areas than urban areas?

Rural areas are more heavily populated with older people who face more legal issues and are in greater need of assistance. Also, people in rural areas who are poor and less educated have fewer other options to turn to. 

8. Explain how this agency can be seen as an extension of 6th Amendment civil liberties.

The 6th Amendment guarantees right to counsel for all, so the LSC acts as legal counseling for the underpriviledged and indigent. 

9. Explain how this agency can be seen as an unnecessary government expenditure.   

These organizations still receive federal funding, with the amount varying based on the state's size and location. For example, Nevada Legal Services get 52% of its budget from federal funding. Thus, Republicans, who tend to be against public assistance programs, have pushed to gut the funding of such organizations.