Free legal aid-comparative framework of the Republic of North Macedonia and Serbia

The right to free legal aid enables the achievement of the principles
of equality and fairness, and with that the state prevents discrimination that would
be a consequence of material status, lack of knowledge of the law or education, and
ensures the realization of the right to legal protection for those persons (natural and
legal entities) who cannot exercise this right due to material circumstances or
belong to a vulnerable social group, that is, if they are in a disadvantageous
position. At the same time, the term free legal aid does not indicate a specific form
or type of legal aid but indicates only situations when legal aid is free of charge.
Through a comparative analysis of existing normative solutions in the Republic of
North Macedonia and the Republic of Serbia, the authors point to legal solutions on
free legal aid. They conclude that only systemic solutions can ensure free access to
justice, and thus one access to justice for all.