Legal Service Unit in Zambia

Purpose

A Legal Service Unit (LSU) at the Subordinate Court in the capital Lusaka is working to improve access to justice for indigent and vulnerable accused persons involved in criminal cases, including women and juveniles. The first of its kind in Zambia, the Unit provides assistance to its clients at key points. It is based on a cooperation between state and civil society legal aid providers, with additional support from the judiciary.

The difference we make

The LSU model, established and operated with technical assistance from the Danish Institute for Human Rights, has been operational since January 2013 at the Lusaka Subordinate Court.

Results include a faster case flow at court level, an increase in the use of bail, cases of prolonged detention being addressed and an increase in the use of diversion measures for juvenile offenders.

Annually, it provides legal aid and represents more than 1,200 indigent and vulnerable persons in criminal (86% in 2014) and civil cases. Related outcomes include a faster case flow at court level, an increase in the use of pre-trial measures (bail), cases of prolonged detention being addressed and an increase in the use of diversion measures for juvenile offenders.

Partners

The LSU is a partnership between:

• the Danish Institute for Human Rights
• the Subordinate Court of Lusaka
• the Legal Aid Board
• the NGO, Prisons Care & Counselling Association.