Access to legal representation is widely regarded (0) AS a fundamental right in democratic societies. In practice, however, the cost of hiring a lawyer can be 1 high that many individuals are unable to afford the help they need. Legal aid systems were established to address this problem, providing free or subsidised assistance to 2 who could not otherwise pay for it. Over the years, though, funding for these services has been cut in many countries, leaving a growing number of people 3 proper legal support. Critics of the current system argue that justice should not depend 4 how much money a person has. They point out that individuals facing serious legal issues — 5 as eviction, debt, or family disputes — are often left to represent themselves in court, with little understanding of the procedures involved. Research has shown that people who go to court without a lawyer are significantly 6 likely to achieve a favourable outcome. Some organisations have attempted to fill the gap 7 offering free legal clinics and online resources, but these initiatives can only do so much. 8 the underlying issue of funding is addressed, the gap between those who can afford legal help and those who cannot will continue to widen.