In collaboration with 鈥檚 Executive Director, Julie Mathews, and Staff Lawyer, Erik Bornmann, Professors Pavlovi膰 and Salyzyn will explore the access to justice dimensions of the regulation of technology-assisted services that aim to help users complete legal forms and assemble legal documents. There are an increasing number of services that seek to enable the general public 鈥 many of whom have only low or moderate legal capability 鈥 to generate legal forms and documents for legal transactions (e.g. a will or separation agreement) or legal dispute resolution processes (e.g. an application for spousal/child support) through customized software technology tools.
While these tools can improve access to justice for so-called 鈥榚veryday legal problems鈥 for the general public and particularly for members of marginalized, disadvantaged and discriminated-against groups, questions remain about the extent to which such services should be regulated. The researchers will explore these questions and evaluate the potential impact of various regulatory approaches on access to justice.
As part of its commitment to improving access to justice, the 鈥檚&苍产蝉辫; grants aim to increase access to justice in novel ways, enabling a better understanding of the practical ways in which technology can change the way that legal services are provided.
Congratulations to Professors Pavlovi膰 and Salyzyn!