The Legal Aid Act, 1996, greatly improves access to legal aid. It provides that a person is eligible for legal aid in connection with any criminal, civil or other related matter if, in die opinion of the Director of Legal Aid, diat person (i) omerwise has insufficient means to obtain the services of a legal practitioner; (ii) has reasonable grounds for initiating, carrying on, defending or being a party o t the case; and (iii) is in need of and would benefit from such legal assistance. An individual may apply direct to the Director of the Legal Aid Directorate or a judge, magistrate or die Attorney-General may recommend to the Director that a person should be provided with legal aid.