State studying how to help poor get legal help

A newly-created state panel is looking at how to help low-income and working class Floridians get access to the court system.

The Florida Commission on Access to Civil Justice is holding its first meeting at the Capitol on Friday.

The commission was created by Florida State Supreme Court Chief Justice Jorge Labarga.

Labarga says he’s concerned that too many people cannot afford to hire a lawyer to help them. He said the situation has gotten worse in the wake of the recent recession.

Before the first meeting he said there is no one solution and that the answer isn’t just setting aside additional state money for legal aid.

The panel includes attorneys, judges, and legislators. The commission plans to issue its final recommendations in 2016.

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Republished with permission of the Associated Press.