26/08/19

European Lawyers Day - 25 October 2019 -

The CCBE is delighted to celebrate the 2019 edition of European Lawyers’ Day.

This year, we are focussing on “Your Right to Legal Aid in Criminal matters” with an added article on “Access to a lawyer when detained in prison”. Legal aid is an essential tool in ensuring access to justice. Access to justice is a fundamental right and an essential part and instrument of human rights, stipulated and protected by Article 6 of the European Convention on Human Rights, i.e. free access to justice for any individual, regardless of his or her social status or economic position. It is considered to be one of the main pillars of the rule of law and individual dignity. It is the duty of States and governments to guarantee, organise and finance such legal aid systems, which permit those with the least means to obtain access to justice and which cover the cost of legal advice, defence and representation by legal professionals. It is essential that Member States have functioning legal aid systems.

The CCBE appreciates the efforts and work of the Commission in this regard and urges Member States to fulfil their obligations under the recent EU Directive on legal aid for suspects and accused persons in criminal proceedings and for requested persons in European arrest warrant proceedings. This handbook aims to assist readers in preparing for European Lawyers' Day. More materials are available on the CCBE’s website: https://www.ccbe.eu/actions/european-lawyers-day/. You are very welcome to contact us with any questions or comments you may have. We look forward to following your events and celebrating a memorable European Lawyers' Day 2019! 

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