ZB ZB
Live now
Start time
Playing for
End time
Listen live
Listen to NAME OF STATION
Up next
Listen live on
ZB

Are online tools the solution to gaps in NZ's legal system?

Author
Newstalk ZB,
Publish Date
Mon, 25 Jan 2021, 5:05PM
(Photo / Getty)
(Photo / Getty)

Are online tools the solution to gaps in NZ's legal system?

Author
Newstalk ZB,
Publish Date
Mon, 25 Jan 2021, 5:05PM

Online legal options could be the solution to gaps in the New Zealand legal system.

A large percentage of New Zealanders are too poor to afford lawyers, but make too much money to qualify for legal aid meaning they are left out in the cold when it comes to legal information.

However online tools, such as websites, could help Kiwis better understand their legal rights and responsibilities.

Otago University faculty law director Bridgette Toy-Cronin told Heather du Plessis-Allan the tools allow people to have a sense of independence.

"It empowers people to figure some stuff out for themselves; to figure out when they've got a problem that needs further attention, when they can deal with it themselves."

She says it would help the better part of the population.

"We're not talking about big criminal defence or a big, complicated business dispute. We're talking about people's everyday legal troubles and how they can sort those out."

LISTEN ABOVE

Take your Radio, Podcasts and Music with you