Cosenza judicial offices sign protocol to bolster legal aid for low-income defendants

The Cosenza Bar Association, known as ‘Avvocato Fausto Gullo’, has reached an agreement with the presidents of the Cosenza Court, the Court of Assizes, the Criminal Section, and the Gip Office of the Tribunal. The protocol aims to ensure the effective exercise of the right to defense for individuals admitted to state-funded legal aid under DPR 115/2002.

The agreement focuses on providing greater economic resources from the state to support the defense of low-income individuals in criminal proceedings. Local lawyers emphasize that legal aid must go beyond the mere presence of an attorney, as effective defense requires investigative activities and initiatives that incur specific costs. The goal is to ensure equality before the law by preventing a gap between constitutional rights and the practical ability to exercise them based on financial means.