pro bono
Short for pro bono publico, the phrase describes professional services given without fee in the public interest, such as representing poor litigants, undertrials, or causes of public importance. It is different from legal aid under the Legal Services Authorities Act, where the State pays the lawyer, and from court-appointed amicus curiae work, though they overlap in purpose.
The Bar Council of India Rules state that every advocate should, in the practice of the profession, keep in mind that anyone genuinely in need of a lawyer is entitled to legal assistance even if he cannot pay fully, and that the advocate should render legal aid within his means. The Supreme Court and High Courts also run pro bono panels.
Example
The senior advocate argued the undertrials' habeas corpus petition pro bono.
In Indian law
- Bar Council of India Rules, Part VI, Chapter II (standards of professional conduct)
- Article 39A, Constitution of India
See also
legal aid · amicus curiae · legal ethics · para-legal volunteer
Read more in the study notes
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