Free app offers basics on legal rights

A free app has been developed that offers users an opportunity to brush up on their legal rights relating to roadblocks, speeding fines and interactions with police, notes a Weekend Argus report. The app, LegalMate, was created by Jed da Silva, from Cape Town University, and Michael de la Hunt, of Wits University. ‘We saw a lot of students not knowing their rights during instances of mass protest and arrests,’ said Da Silva. LegalMate summarises basic legal information and makes it easy to read. The intention is to educate people about their rights and the various legal processes to follow when interacting with law enforcement officials. The app also includes viewpoints from groups such as the Right2Know Campaign. ‘It does not serve as legal advice, but rather a general pool of information. We insist that professional legal advice be obtained relating to a person’s unique circumstance,’ Da Silva said.