What does 'legal aid' provide for defendants?

Legal aid is designed to ensure that individuals who cannot afford legal representation have access to necessary legal services. This support is particularly important for defendants in criminal cases, as it helps level the playing field in a justice system that can otherwise be heavily skewed in favor of those with financial resources. Legal aid can include various forms of assistance, such as providing a lawyer at no cost or reduced cost, enabling these individuals to receive proper legal advice, representation, and support throughout the legal process.

In this context, the other options do not align with the primary purpose of legal aid. While support for victims of crime and funding for law enforcement agencies are crucial aspects of the justice system, they do not pertain to the assistance provided to defendants specifically. Likewise, while assistance for individuals representing themselves is beneficial, it does not encapsulate the core function of legal aid when it comes to ensuring defendants have legal representation they cannot afford.