A Comparative Study on the Protection of People's Rights by Volunteer Lawyers at the Pre-Trial Stage in Criminal Cases in the United Kingdom, Singapore, and Thailand
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Abstract
This study aims to analyze and compare the roles of volunteer lawyers in protecting people’s rights during the pre-trial stage of criminal cases, focusing on the cases of the United Kingdom, Singapore, and Thailand. It examines the roles, challenges, and development strategies of volunteer lawyers in providing legal assistance to defendants at the early stages of the criminal justice process, a critical period for safeguarding procedural rights. The findings reveal that all three countries emphasize the right to access legal counsel from the investigation stage; however, the organization of volunteer lawyer systems differs according to legal and social contexts. The United Kingdom has a legal aid system that is well-established, stable, and widely recognized, Singapore operates volunteer lawyer services under the support of the state and professional organizations, while Thailand continues to face limitations in resources and coordination mechanisms. This study proposes strategies to develop an effective and sustainable volunteer lawyer system in Thailand, aiming to strengthen the rule of law and ensure equitable access to justice for all people.
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