The histories of the three different types of legal aid that are the subjects of separate statutory provisions are summarized. They are criminal legal aid, civil legal aid, and legal advice and assistance. Discussion of demands for improvements in the provision of legal services begins with a look at the increasing attention being paid the plight of the poor and moves onto consider a 1968 report which aroused debate on the question of legal service. Also discussed are neighborhood law centers, duty solicitor schemes, legal action pressure groups, and research and education regarding legal aid. Defects in legal aid are explored under two categories: remedial defects such as the low levels of means-test limits, inadequate remuneration for lawyers, and the absence of legal aid for representation before most tribunals; and structural defects, such as the inconvenient location of solicitors, psychological barriers, ignorance of legal rights, and control of legal services. Reforms proposed are covered, with emphasis on such innovations as extending law centers, establishing non-means tested legal services, changing the constitution, and involving lay people in legal services provision. Also included are 66 references.