Legal Aid for Demo's

A number of Law faculty staff have indicated their willingness to help establish a legal aid service if the Springbok Tour takes place this year. This service will be necessary to ensure that no injustices such as wrongful arrest arise out of anti-tour demonstrations.

Although both pro and anti-tour groups have indicated that they will insist on strict adherence to the law at all times, conflict will be inevitable. W.A.R.D. President Robert Fenton isn't quite sure whether Ward members will be actually assisting police to bring prosecutions, but they certainly wilt make extensive complaints to ensure the maximum number of prosecutions possible. They will also be promoting claims for civil compensation for people who attend disrupted matches.

Lawyers or legal advisers will be needed at demonstrations, as will photographers and witnesses. Legal advice would ensure that all demonstrators know their rights, and this aid could be extended to take care of procedure between the time of arrest and any court appearances.

Legal aid will help in having those detained bailed out as soon as possible. It would also help in the preparation of briefs for qualified solicitors, the organisation of witnesses and compilation of reports and photographs.

An efficient legal aid service would need the support of photographers, senior law students and general compilers. Those interested or willing to help should leave their name on the list provided in the Union Office.

Peter Boshier.