Access to Justice

3 credits · Law School

This course focuses on how lower-income people navigate and experience the civil and criminal legal systems, often without the assistance of a lawyer. We will consider what “access to justice” means and requires on a macro, structural level and also examine micro-level, on the ground access issues. In doing so, we will hear from a variety of relevant experts and stakeholders, explore interdisciplinary perspectives, and engage in court observation. Topics covered will likely include (but are not limited to) the right to counsel, the role of non-lawyers, the use of technology, legal design, and legal literacy. The primary assignment for the course will involve identifying a specific access-to-justice problem and developing a feasible reform proposal—along with correlating support and justification—that will be presented in class. Enrollment limited. [3]