Recognition of Legal Rights for Indigent Persons in Tanzania

Muhtasari

• That is where the Legal Aid Act, Cap 21 RE 2023, becomes one of Tanzania’s most important, yet least discussed, laws.
• Article 13 of the Constitution of the United Republic of Tanzania, 1977, recognises that every person is equal before the law and entitled to equal protection of the law.
• The Act primarily serves indigent persons, individuals whose financial means are insufficient to engage a private legal practitioner.
• Somewhere along the way, we began associating justice with expensive law firms, consultation fees, court appearances and legal bills.
• It regulates and coordinates the provision of legal aid services to indigent persons while recognising the vital role of paralegals and registered legal aid providers.