Resolution Requesting Legal Support for Indigent Citizens

WHEREAS, there is a need to encourage legislation providing high quality, legal representation for persons unable to afford counsel in civil cases; and

WHEREAS, for years the federal resources available to the Legal Services Corporation ["LSC"] have eroded and restrictions have been placed on the types of civil cases the Legal Service Corporations can render for reflecting the lack of commitment to equal justice; and

WHEREAS, studies show that 80% of the legal need for the poor is not met because they are priced out of the system; and

WHEREAS, an ongoing objective of the NAACP is to ensure for minority group citizens equal access to every democratic process including the civil justice system.

THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the NAACP encourage every unit of the Association to spearhead and/or work in coalition with other community groups; lobbying for an initiative for state and federal legislation that will increase funding to the LSC, lift restrictions on types of cases LSC can render services and thus enhancing the chances of counsel for indigent claimants in civil cases in order that they may have equal access to justice.