Without a doubt, the cost of legal services is going through the ceiling, it is much beyond what many can afford. I don't fault lawyers for this-it is the result of free market forces, high overhead, a costly education, and hard-earned compensation for a very difficult profession.

But as a result many low-income people cannot afford even the most basic legal services. I didn't always believe this, but I have come to the conclusion that just as the public has a responsibility to pay for court houses and judges, and staff through their tax dollars, there must be a similar commitment to provide lawyers in some instances to low income people in civil cases. My speech on this subject "Access to Justice: A Noble Purpose in Beggar's Rags" can be found under "speeches and writing" at justicesanders.com.

I do, however, strongly believe that this burden is one to be born by all of society, not just lawyers and clients. Imposing more fees and costs on lawyers and clients is unfair to these individuals and aggravates the problem by again increasing the cost of legal services for all the rest of us.

We have come to a point when there is not enough money to do everything government wants to do, and priorities must be set. We are taxed enough, think most. Therefore I was pleased when the state legislature appropriated about $82 million to provide more legal services for low-income people. I have no doubt that this money will be well spent.