Legal aid is available for all types of criminal cases in the District Court, the Court of First Instance, the Court of Appeal and for appeals against decisions of magistrates. It is also available for appeals to the Court of Final Appeal, and committal proceedings prior to trial in the Court of First Instance.In order 220-601 Braindump to qualify for legal aid in criminal cases, an applicant's financial resources cannot exceed the financial eligibility limit allowed for civil legal aid cases. An applicant who passes the means test will be granted legal aid for committals and trials. Legal aid is only available for appeals where there are meritorious grounds.There is no provision for appeal against the Director's refusal to grant legal aid in criminal cases. For applicants who fail the means test, the Director can still grant legal aid if he considers it is desirable in the interests of justice to do so. If the case involves a charge of murder, treason or piracy with violence, the judge can exempt an 220-602 Braindump applicant for legal aid from having to satisfy the means test. In all other cases, the judge may only grant legal aid to those persons who can pass the means test.Appeals against refusals of applications for legal aid for criminal appeals to the Court of Final Appeal are heard by a special committee appointed by the Registrar of the High Court.The financial eligibility limit for this scheme is higher than the Ordinary Legal Aid Scheme and is intended to assist the so-called "sandwich class". Initiated in 1984, it now covers cases of personal injury and death, medical, dental and legal professional negligence where the claim for damages is likely to exceed $60,000, and employees' compensation claims irrespective of the amount of the claim.The scheme is self-financing and is funded by contributions N10-003 Braindump paid by the aided person out of their financial resources and from damages or compensation recovered. When a case is successfully completed, the aided person pays to the Director under the scheme an amount equivalent to all costs incurred and sums paid on his or her behalf, plus 10% of the damages he or she is awarded, or 6% if the case is settled before counsel is briefed to attend trial.