People don,t always make the best choices, especially on college campuses. For many students college is the first opportunity they have had to live alone and do what they please, when they please.
For some residents, this can lead to trouble. There is a place students can turn however, when they encounter legal questions. The USM Student Legal Services exists only to answers student’s questions about the law and the mechanics of Maine’s judicial system.
Free Legal advice is not a new concept for college students. Many campuses all over the country have an office where students can consult someone well versed in state and federal law.
In many instances the individual is a contracted lawyer from the local professional community. At USM Attorney Beth George is open to talking and meeting with students. However, Beth George could not be reached for comment in this article.
Student Legal Service is based on answering student’s questions. The attorney is not required to represent students in court, but can give people vital information on what actions to take when dealing with the law.
Jessica Blackwell, an undeclared sophomore had to visit legal services in reference to a criminal incident last year.
“They were very helpful in answering my questions, I had a list of questions about what to do.” Blackwell received advice about what actions to take for example how to plea in court. Blackwell was pleased with her experience at Legal Services.
“It all worked out very well in the end,” she said
One doesn’t have to get in trouble to benefit from this service. However, the legal advice ranges from about On certain occasions students may wonder if something they do or see is legal or not. The information provided at legal services can range from criminal advice to housing contract advice. The Office Legal Service is source for research. It is even possible to get supporting information in the form of actual court cases.
. Most people operate in a law abiding manner. Students have a right to recievce educated advice laws students and overall knowledge about them. Student Legal Services offers that information at no extra cost. Compared to off campus legal consultation, the typical student can’t afford not to take advantage of this service. The Office of Student Legal Service is only available to students who pay the student activities fee and who are taking three or more credits. The Office of Student Legal Services can be reached at 780-4792.