LAW CENTRE Meaning and
Definition
-
A law centre is a specialized facility that provides free or low-cost legal advice, assistance, and representation to individuals who may not have access to legal services. These centres are established with the objective of promoting equal access to justice and fighting for the rights of disadvantaged communities.
The primary function of a law centre is to offer legal aid to individuals who are unable to afford private legal representation but face legal issues requiring professional guidance. Typically staffed with lawyers and legal experts, these centres aim to address various legal matters, including civil rights, housing, employment, welfare benefits, immigration, family law, and consumer rights.
Law centres often focus on serving marginalized communities, such as low-income individuals, minorities, refugees, and those with limited English proficiency. Their mission is to bridge the justice gap and ensure that everyone, regardless of their socioeconomic background, can navigate the legal system and access justice. Furthermore, law centres may also engage in community outreach, education, and advocacy efforts to empower individuals and raise awareness about legal rights and obligations.
Operating as non-profit organizations, law centres usually rely on government funding, grants, donations, and pro bono work from lawyers and volunteers to sustain their activities. By offering their services free of charge or at a reduced cost, law centres strive to alleviate financial barriers that often prevent individuals from seeking legal assistance.
Common Misspellings for LAW CENTRE
- kaw centre
- paw centre
- oaw centre
- lzw centre
- lsw centre
- lww centre
- lqw centre
- laq centre
- laa centre
- las centre
- lae centre
- la3 centre
- la2 centre
- law xentre
- law ventre
- law fentre
- law dentre
- law cwntre
- law csntre
- law cdntre
Etymology of LAW CENTRE
The term "law centre" originated in the United Kingdom, particularly in the 1970s, to describe legal organizations or community-based law firms that offer free or low-cost legal services to individuals and communities. The concept of law centres was inspired by the American legal aid movement and the community law clinic model used in universities.
The term itself combines two words:
1. "Law": Derived from the Old English word "lagu", meaning "ordinance" or "custom", and further from the Proto-Germanic word "*lagam", meaning "that which is laid down". It ultimately traces its roots back to the Proto-Indo-European word "*legh-", meaning "to lay".
2. "Centre": Borrowed from the Old French word "centre", which originates from the Latin word "centrum", meaning "center" or "middle point".
Infographic
Add the infographic to your website:
