Kids forced to represent themselves in court: The NT’s legal aid crisis

For most of us, facing court with no lawyer and no legal advice in a case that could change the course of your life would be unthinkable. But that’s the situation currently facing dozens of defendants in the Northern Territory – many of them disadvantaged or with English as their second or third language, some just children – all being forced to go it alone in a legal system most adults would struggle to navigate. Lawyer Clancy Dane says a shortage of legal aid, exacerbated by the state government’s tough-on-crime agenda, is leaving vulnerable people without the right to a fair trial. Now, he’s fighting to change that. Today, Territory Criminal Lawyers principal Clancy Dane, on what he says is the worst legal aid crisis the country has ever seen.   If you enjoy 7am, the best way you can support us is by making a contribution at 7ampodcast.com.au/support.   Socials: Stay in touch with us on Instagram Guest: Territory Criminal Lawyers principal, Clancy Dane Photo: AAP Image/Esther LinderSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.