Question

discuss the role of paralegals with reference to the south african constitution

Answer 1

A paralegal is aperson, who:

• Has basic knowledge of the law and its procedures

• Knows about conflict resolution procedures

• Has the necessary motivation, commitment, attitude and skills to help people and communities with their legal, human rights,administrative, constitutional and developmental problems, while at the same time empowering them to tackle these matters on their own in future.

Paralegals are not just mini-attorneys. Obviously they cannot assist people in court and other tribunals until they acquire the relevant qualification and accreditation. But more than this, their role is to look at a variety of methods, other than using the courts, to achieve long-term, sustainable solutions to peoples’ problems

The role of paralegals with reference to the south african constitution

• Work as a link between a community and attorneys, and help with things like taking statements, interpreting and following up cases

• Assist in making contact with the press and in publicising events and problems in a community

• Help sort out problems in a community, and problems with the authorities through negotiation and mediation

• Help in the building and developing of community organisations

• Give legal and general advice to people on the law and their rights

• Write or distribute pamphlets, booklets and other resources to help educate people

• Refer people to social and health services, and other helpful organisations

• Refer people to attorneys where it is clear an attorney is necessary

• Help prepare people for formal legal procedures, such as what to expect in a court case

SO overall we can say that Paralegals play an important role in the legal process because many people cannot afford attorneys, people sometimes find it intimidating going to an attorney and there are usually few sympathetic attorneys operating in rural areas.The public and the legal profession recognise that paralegals are important because they allow disadvantaged people to have access to justice and work as a bridge between the people and judiciary.