Technology, Innovation and Access to Justice: Dialogues on the Future of Law

This book explores how technology can help people access justice across the legal industry, bringing together leading judges, academics, practitioners, policy makers, and educators from countries including India, Canada, Germany, the United Kingdom, South Africa, and Nigeria. It offers a dialogue between theory and practice by presenting practical and reflective essays on the nature of changes in the legal sector and analyses technological changes taking place in the legal sector.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 320 pages
Publication date: 30 November 2022
Publisher: Edinburgh University Press

Access to justice is a fundamental human right that is essential for the development and well-being of societies. However, around five billion people worldwide are unable to address their everyday legal problems and do not have the security, opportunity, or protection to redress their grievances and injustices. Courts and legal institutions can often be out of reach due to costs, distance, or a lack of knowledge of rights and entitlements, and judicial institutions may be under-funded, leading to poor judicial infrastructure, inadequate staff, and limited resources to meet the needs of those who require such services.

This book sets out to embed access to justice into mainstream discussions on the future of law and to explore how this can be addressed in different parts of the legal industry. It examines what changes in technology mean for the end user, whether an ordinary citizen, a client, or a student. It looks at the everyday practice of law through a sector-wide analysis of law firms, universities, startups, and civil society organizations. In doing so, the book provides a roadmap on how to address sector-specific access to justice questions and to draw lessons for the future.

One of the key challenges facing the legal industry is the increasing complexity of legal issues and the need for specialized knowledge and expertise. Technology can play a significant role in addressing this challenge by providing access to legal information, resources, and services that are tailored to the specific needs of individuals and communities. For example, online legal platforms and services can provide easy-to-use tools and resources for people to navigate the legal system, access legal advice, and file legal claims.

Another challenge facing the legal industry is the increasing cost of legal services. Technology can help to address this challenge by providing alternative cost-effective solutions, such as online dispute resolution (ODR) platforms and self-help resources. ODR platforms allow parties to resolve legal disputes online without the need for costly litigation, which can be particularly beneficial for individuals and small businesses who cannot afford traditional legal services.

In addition to these challenges, the legal industry is also facing a growing demand for more accessible and inclusive legal services. Technology can play a significant role in addressing this demand by providing access to legal services for people who may be marginalized or excluded from the legal system, such as those who speak languages other than the dominant language in their country or those who live in remote or rural areas.

One of the key ways in which technology can help to promote access to justice is by improving the efficiency and effectiveness of legal services. For example, digital technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning can be used to automate legal processes, such as document review and contract analysis, which can reduce the time and cost of legal services. This can also help to improve the quality of legal services by ensuring that legal processes are more accurate and reliable.

Another way in which technology can help to promote access to justice is by providing legal services to people who may not have access to traditional legal institutions. For example, mobile legal clinics can provide legal services to people who live in remote or rural areas or who may not have access to transportation to attend legal offices. Online legal services can also provide legal services to people who may be unable to attend legal offices due to physical or mental health conditions or other barriers.

In addition to these benefits, technology can also have negative impacts on access to justice. For example, the use of technology in legal services can create barriers to access for people who may not have access to technology or who may not have the skills or knowledge to use technology effectively. This can particularly impact older people, people with disabilities, and people who live in low-income communities.

To address these challenges, it is important to ensure that technology is used in a way that promotes access to justice for all. This may involve investing in training and education programs to ensure that people have the skills and knowledge to use technology effectively, as well as providing access to technology and legal services for people who may be marginalized or excluded from the legal system.

In conclusion, access to justice is a fundamental human right that is essential for the development and well-being of societies. Around five billion people worldwide are unable to address their everyday legal problems and do not have the security, opportunity, or protection to redress their grievances and injustices. Courts and legal institutions can often be out of reach due to costs, distance, or a lack of knowledge of rights and entitlements, and judicial institutions may be under-funded, leading to poor judicial infrastructure, inadequate staff, and limited resources to meet the needs of those who require such services.

Technology can play a significant role in addressing these challenges by providing access to legal information, resources, and services that are tailored to the specific needs of individuals and communities. By improving the efficiency and effectiveness of legal services, providing legal services to people who may not have access to traditional legal institutions, and ensuring that technology is used in a way that promotes access to justice for all, we can help to ensure that everyone has the security, opportunity, and protection to address their legal problems and redress their grievances and injustices.

Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781474473873