Survey finds ignorance of law

Press, 9 January 1982, Page 4

Survey finds ignorance of law

Most people are ignorant of how to use the law and have a low opinion of the judicial system generally, a survey of central Christchurch residents has shown. Almost two-thirds of those interviewed in the survey carried out by law students at the University of Canterbury believed the law favoured the rich over the poor. About half said the law did not treat people fairly and was not in touch with modern society. Most of the 232 residents surveyed had consulted a lawyer only when buying a house or making a will, areas in which lawyers had a monopoly, the students noted. More than 70 per cent were satisfied with the service received but felt results depended on the individual lawyer consulted. The president of Students’ Society, Miss C. Risk, said the survey was intended to show trends rather than exactly represent residents’ views. Results were consistent with a similar survey made in Dunedin two years ago. ? Less than half the residents knew of the freeilegal advice available from the Citizens’ Advice Bureau, and most had little knowledge of laws protecting the consumer or the tenant.

Fifty per cent said a debt would have to be more than $250 before they would seek

a lawyer’s help in recovering the money. The students concluded that the survey, which was completed as a preliminary to setting up a community law centre in the Arts Centre to open at Easter, showed a need for an alternative source of legal aid. Disabled persons were also disadvantaged by the legal system, said the chairman of Rehabilitation International New Zealand, Miss Ann Ballin.

She said the organisation was .concerned that persons often did not get what they were entitled to because they were not aware of their rights. Lawyers also knew little about how the law pertained to the disabled.