You HAVE the right to an attorney. If you cannot afford one, one will be appointed for you... Weve heard those words countless times, in countless cop procedurals. But 50 years ago, no one in the United States, much less in Canada, had any such right. How did our notion that the poor were entitled to counsel evolve? Last night, Edmonton lawyers Kent Teskey and Dane Bullerwell were named 2014 Advocates of the Year at the Alberta Access to Justice awards, for their landmark work, affirming the right of indigent clients in Alberta to criminal representation. Teskey made a fiery and fascinating acceptance speech, explaining the modern history of Legal Aid, and why it still matters. I asked him for a copy of his text - which Im proud to post, in edited form, here.
Posted on: Fri, 03 Oct 2014 18:45:48 +0000
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