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St. Cloud State University
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Commentary
Legal services needs attention
Published:
Thursday, April 15, 2004
At some point in their lives, most people will find themselves needing the help or counsel of an attorney.
Like auto insurance and healthcare, legal advice has become a necessary component of adult life. Unfortunately, that advice doesn't always come at a price that fits into most people's budgets - especially in the case of college students. Considering that, it seems that the students of SCSU would do themselves a favor in voting for a free-legal council to be available to students.
And it is not just certain students with certain habits who will benefit from an on-campus student legal services office. Inevitably, students with alcohol-related concerns will find their way to this office. But a student legal services office has the potential to help far more students than only those with misdemeanors. Students who find themselves in a dispute with a landlord, an insurance company or an employer will indubitably use student legal services. We should also not forget the SCSU students who are guests in our country - and those who need help with family law issues.
With lawyer's fees ranging in the triple digits for any kind of question or query, it would be a incredible asset for SCSU students to be able to draw upon someone with years of legal experience.
A campus legal representative could be considered an informational resource. A greater understanding of law leads to a greater understanding of one's rights and how to protect them.
Furthermore, the attorney representing SCSU would be serving the greater community. Students are a valuable part of the St. Cloud area. Members of the community who are willing to provide a service to students could help to foster relations between St. Cloud residents and the student body.
However, we should consider that although "free" legal advice would be a great asset to students, it does not come without a price tag. This program should not be implemented unless it makes sound fiscal sense with the university's budget, especially with tuition becoming an increasingly sore topic year after year.
If SCSU can support a program of this nature, it would be a leap in the right direction, that is, toward protecting student rights. The campus should do its best to provide resources that can help defray the ever-rising cost of living while students receive their education. Programs like Student Health Services offer an umbrella for students who could probably not afford the combined load of health insurance, rent and tuition.
With a legal resource on campus, students may be afforded a second chance when a run-in with the law might otherwise spell their financial doom.
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