The state Supreme Court has created the Mississippi Access to Justice Commission to address civil legal representation of the poor.

The commission includes business and community leaders, clergy, and representatives from all three branches of state government.

Its objective is to develop a unified strategy to improve access to justice for the poor.

"It is my very strong opinion that the Supreme Court bears the ultimate and final responsibility to see to it that the justice system is fair for everyone," said Justice Jess H. Dickinson of Gulfport, the court's liaison to the legal services community.

In his Thursday order establishing the commission, Chief Justice Jim Smith wrote, "This Court recognizes that a substantial number of Mississippians live at or below the federally-established poverty threshold, and face substantial barriers to the justice system."

The Mississippi Access to Justice Commission will address civil legal representation of the poor. It will not deal with indigent criminal defense.

Mississippi is the 23rd state to form a statewide commission that brings together representatives of organizations to ensure the legal rights of the poor.