Commission formed to help poor Oklahomans with legal matters

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) _ A commission designed to help Oklahoma's neediest citizens resolve legal matters has been created by the Oklahoma Supreme Court. <br/><br/>The goal of the Oklahoma Access to Justice

Wednesday, November 24th 2004, 6:28 am

By: News On 6

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) _ A commission designed to help Oklahoma's neediest citizens resolve legal matters has been created by the Oklahoma Supreme Court.

The goal of the Oklahoma Access to Justice Commission is to improve the quality of justice for all Oklahomans regardless of legal status, said Harry Woods, president of the Oklahoma Bar Association.

``Other states with similar commissions have made significant progress toward reaching this goal in their own communities with the development of programs that increase levels of no-cost legal services and achieve better overall public awareness of the need for improved access to justice,'' Woods said.

The commission, similar to others in 15 states, was recommended by the OBA, which has been studying its feasibility since February.

The commission will consist of nine voting members, including judges and other members of the legal profession, lawmakers and a non-lawyer appointed by the governor.