Legislative Concepts Regarding Free Legal Aid. Draft Acts of 17 November 2004, 31 January 2005 and 21 February 2005

Abstract Between 2004 and 2005, the Ministry of Justice drafted three legislative proposals concerning broadly understood free legal aid, civic assistance, and legal education. These drafts were the result of engagement not only by the Ministry but also by non-governmental organisations and the legal community and culminated in the adoption of the Act in 2015. The final Act drew on earlier proposals, particularly the establishment of Legal Aid Offices, support for low-income individuals, and the involvement of professional lawyers. The aim of this article is to trace the draft legislation prepared by a single entity over a relatively short period.