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A Whole of Government and Cross-Institutional Perspective on Legal Aid
One of the take-aways from a recent OECD meeting on People-Centered and Accessible Justice was that a whole of government approach is key for planning and implementing cohesive reforms and ensuring that institutional boundaries do not limit justice (Tatyana Teplova, Executive Leader in Governance and Policy, OECD, “Making People-Centered Justice Happen to Strengthen Democracy and
Read NowReflections on the Action Committee Colloquium Report
In January, the Action Committee held a two day Colloquium with a cross-section of stakeholders in the access to justice community. This meeting provided a platform from which to transform key access to justice recommendations into actionable strategies. The Colloquium featured breakout groups and keynote speakers that engaged both the innovation and institutional and structural
read nowAccess to Justice Spotlight: A Review of the Recent Access to Justice Report in Australia
The problems associated with a lack of access to justice are a serious concern here in Canada. These concerns have been deftly captured in two recent national reports – one from the Action Committee on Access to Justice in Civil and Family Matters and one from the Canadian Bar Association – and several recent studies,
read nowThe Kids are NOT Alright: Access to Justice for Children
Access to justice for children is emerging as a distinct sub-topic under the larger umbrella of child and youth rights. Kids are dragged into the justice system by custody battles, sexual or other abuse, exploitation, foster care, educational rights violations, or offending. It is important to understand that children who enter the justice system through
read nowWalmart Law
A recent article in the Toronto Star reported on three law offices that have recently been opened in Walmart stores in the Toronto Area. These law offices, called “Access Law”, concentrate on transactional matters such as wills, real estate, powers of attorney and notary services. Complex legal matters are referred to other firms, although plans
read nowA Culture of Legal Literacy
I have had the good fortune of being involved in a number of groups and initiatives aimed at improving access to justice and reforming family law processes over the last few years – from pro bono advice clinics and rosters, to public legal information websites and Wikibooks, to the reconstruction of court rules and legislation
read nowSocial Media and Access to Quality Legal Information
Many Canadians now search online for information when they have a legal problem. Because of this, organizations facilitating access to civil justice have recognized the value of having a website, especially because it is cost-effective. But how much attention are website viewers paying to content? Does good quality content matter? It is well known that
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