US Laws, Codes, Statutes & Cases

From the U.S. Code Online via GPO Access
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[Laws in effect as of January 24, 2002]
[Document not affected by Public Laws enacted between
  January 24, 2002 and December 19, 2002]
[CITE: 42USC2996]

 
                 TITLE 42--THE PUBLIC HEALTH AND WELFARE
 
                CHAPTER 34--ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITY PROGRAM
 
                SUBCHAPTER X--LEGAL SERVICES CORPORATION
 
Sec. 2996. Congressional findings and declaration of purpose

    The Congress finds and declares that--
        (1) there is a need to provide equal access to the system of 
    justice in our Nation for individuals who seek redress of 
    grievances;
        (2) there is a need to provide high quality legal assistance to 
    those who would be otherwise unable to afford adequate legal counsel 
    and to continue the present vital legal services program;
        (3) providing legal assistance to those who face an economic 
    barrier to adequate legal counsel will serve best the ends of 
    justice and assist in improving opportunities for low-income persons 
    consistent with the purposes of this chapter;
        (4) for many of our citizens, the availability of legal services 
    has reaffirmed faith in our government of laws;
        (5) to preserve its strength, the legal services program must be 
    kept free from the influence of or use by it of political pressures; 
    and
        (6) attorneys providing legal assistance must have full freedom 
    to protect the best interests of their clients in keeping with the 
    Code of Professional Responsibility, the Canons of Ethics, and the 
    high standards of the legal profession.

(Pub. L. 88-452, title X, Sec. 1001, as added Pub. L. 93-355, Sec. 2, 
July 25, 1974, 88 Stat. 378; amended Pub. L. 95-222, Sec. 2, Dec. 28, 
1977, 91 Stat. 1619.)


                               Amendments

    1977--Par. (3). Pub. L. 95-222 inserted provision relating to 
assistance in improving opportunities for low-income persons consistent 
with this chapter.


                    Effective Date of 1977 Amendment

    Section 17(b) of Pub. L. 95-222 provided that: ``The amendments made 
by provisions of this Act other than sections 11 and 15 [amending this 
section and sections 2996c, 2996e, 2996f, 2996g, 2996h, 2996i, and 2996j 
of this title] shall be effective on the date of enactment of this Act 
[Dec. 28, 1977].''


                               Short Title

    This subchapter is known as the ``Legal Services Corporation Act'', 
see Short Title note set out under section 2701 of this title.