Office for Access to Justice Establishment Act of 2021

Office for Access to Justice Establishment Act of 2021

This bill establishes the Office for Access to Justice within the Department of Justice (DOJ) to advise on matters relating to justice for low-income and other underrepresented people in the criminal and civil justice systems. Additionally, DOJ must establish a Legal Aid Interagency Roundtable to raise the awareness of executive branch agencies of the ways in which civil legal aid and indigent defense can help advance federal objectives, including those related to employment, family stability, housing, consumer protection, health services, and public safety.

Bill 117 HR 4501, also known as the Office for Access to Justice Establishment Act of 2021, was introduced in the US Congress with the aim of creating an Office for Access to Justice within the Department of Justice. The purpose of this office would be to help ensure that all individuals have access to legal representation and resources, regardless of their financial situation.

The bill outlines the responsibilities of the Office for Access to Justice, which include providing grants to organizations that offer legal services to low-income individuals, conducting research on access to justice issues, and promoting best practices for improving access to legal representation.

Additionally, the bill calls for the establishment of an advisory committee to provide guidance and recommendations to the Office for Access to Justice. This committee would be composed of individuals with expertise in legal services, civil rights, and other relevant fields. Overall, the Office for Access to Justice Establishment Act of 2021 aims to address the disparities in access to legal representation that exist in the United States. By creating a dedicated office within the Department of Justice, the bill seeks to ensure that all individuals have the opportunity to seek justice and protect their rights, regardless of their financial means.