Legal Question in Constitutional Law in California

Re: to give legal aid or not?

The previous answers were a bit cursory, I think.

Court employees, for the most part, aren't attorneys; they're secretaries, file clerks, etc. Because they're not attorneys, they're not allowed by law to give legal advice. As previously stated, that's practicing without a license.

Judges are attorneys. However, as stated, because of their position, they cannot advise specifically on a particular issue. If a judge did, he'd ethically have to recuse himself (step aside, and not hear the case) because he'd create a conflict of interest.

Many courts have advisors (for Small Claims or Family Law, for instance). Some law schools also offer legal assistance to give the students practice.

And, many attorneys will give you a free consultation.

Re: to give legal aid or not?

The court is not permitted to offer advice. The court can't favor one side over the other.

Re: to give legal aid or not?

It is a crime for them to do so. it is called practicing law without a license.