Design for Dignity and Procedural Justice

Abstract

The civil legal system exists to solve people’s problems, like divorce, eviction, bankruptcy, and child custody disputes. But this system, in particular the courts, are difficult and frustrating to navigate, especially if a person does not have a lawyer. Our study reviews how people currently experience court Self Help Centers, and identifies opportunities to enhance them. It does this through a framework of Perceived Control, that considers how to give users greater understanding, options, and behavioral control over a difficult system.

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Keywords: procedural justice, Self Help services, perceived control, access to justice

JEL Classification: K40