I was just wonder if I should volunteer my services as one. I'm serious. I'm not planning on breaking the law anytime soon. But could I just volunteer as a "jailhouse lawyer", as they're called?
Because I have accumulated a lot of knowledge on the subject of law. Starting in the 8th grade, and continuing when I got a law dictionary (see below) in 1995.
Anyways I'll give you all a small example of my law knowledge. That piece on treason largely came from my memory. The only thing I got from the internet is the text from the constitution.
Also, I think the following is more to the point (I'm really not that sure I'd like to be a jailhouse lawyer). Here:
Law Dictionary Seventh Edition by Steven H. Gifis ISBN 10: 0812020855 You know, as I said, I got this in 1995. And I think I must've almost read it cover to cover, at least the legal terms (who cares about copyright law, etc.). It is so simple and concise, he always cites precedent and example (you'd be surprised how many law dictionaries don't) and farnkly, I have always loved this book.
Then there's The Court TV Cradle-to-Grave Legal Survival Guide that I also bought around the same time, ISBN-10: 0316036633, ISBN-13: 978-0316036634 (I have no idea what all these ISBN numbers mean BTW, I just hastily got them off the internet). It's written for the common man, it covers just about every topic, and I swear, it's written on a third grade level.
Anyways, I was thinking of donating those two books to the 8th precinct in Detroit, near where I live. Does anyone think I should? I am not sure if I should offer my legal counsel. But you know, donating it to the 8th precinct would be much easier to do. And maybe the inmates there need it. It's a rather small precinct, and I don't know what they have there that would be considered a law library for those held there. Would this count as a law library? And should I attempt to donate it there? I think they could use it.
As I said, I'd welcome all advice on the matter :) .
I agree with Val.
This is a very slippery slope. If you aren’t certified or licensed, you shouldn’t be offering anyone legal aid, no matter how much research you’ve done or how versed you are in the subject. You can point someone in the right direction or give them questions to ask said professional, but please do not offer your services if you aren’t a qualified professional. For example, I’m well-versed in Psychology. I’ve taken AP psychology and 4 university classes. I’ve also read various psychology books and publications since middle school. But I am not a license therapist or psychologist and I straight out tell people that if they come to me asking for help. I may give life advice that people normally give each other (ex. ”My boss hasn‘t given me a promotion or raise in the 3 years I’ve been working at XYZ company. Do you think I should ask them for a promotio/raise?”). However, I would never diagnose or give medication/treatment advice to anyone. I would tell them to go to a licensed professional in order to be properly assessed and get on an appropriate treatment plan if needed. Hope this helps.