Noted recall: The goal is to describe, in just a few words, what the article is about. Additionally, if I think the article is particularly note-worthy (good or bad), I will comment on that. Compare this to a small sticky note, something to jog your memory about the contents of an article. Of course, if I miss the point of an article, or fail to find anything remarkable, that is entirely the fault of the reviewer.
Available at: https://www.amacad.org/daedalus/access-to-justice
This issue features essays around the topic of access to the justice system. This is less political than other periodicals I've noted.
How Rising Income Inequality Threatens Access to the Legal System - Robert H. Frank
(read 2019/02/26)
This was a somewhat disjointed essay that talked about income inequality, housing prices, market forces and the invisible hand, and access to the justice system.
The Invisible Justice Problem - Lincoln Caplan
(read 2019/02/26)
This is worth reading. Discusses the difference having a lawyer makes in civil court. Background on Legal Services and Legal Services Corporation, and providing legal aid to those that can't afford it. How Reagan wanted to end the program. A look forward, that access to legal representation should be a national issue.
Access to What? - Rebecca L. Sandefur
(read 2019/02/27)
Really short article detailing that "access to justice means" doesn't necessarily mean having a lawyer. Sometimes it's being made aware of DIY legal resources in situations when a lawyer isn't required; or sometimes it means changing the applicable law.
The Right to Civil Counsel - Tonya L. Brito
(read 2019/02/27)
Short article on appointed civil counsel. Some states do have appointed civil counsel, but aid usually comes close to the "end" of a lengthy legal process just before a critical juncture. If aid were appointed earlier, it would be more beneficial, and might have prevented ever arriving at that critical point.
Access to Power - Sameer Ashar and Annie Lai
(read 2019/02/27)
Short article on the nature of power in the legal system, and power imbalance, e.g., between worker and employer. Some discussion of community project by the authors to address this power imbalance.
Techno-Optimism & Access to the Legal System - Tanina Rostain
(read 2019/02/28)
Really short article on literacy and technology. There are an increasing number of apps to determine if there is legal recourse to a problem, but illiteracy makes use difficult. One solution is that there should be trusted community members (e.g., caregiver for homebound elderly) that can use an app, or walk a user through use.
Marketing Legal Assistance - Elizabeth Chambliss
(read 2019/02/28)
Short article on effective marketing, and institutional opposition to change. Example of Washington State's limited license legal technician (LLLT) program, and the general lack of success, and contrasted with highly marketed business like LegalZoom. Issues with both, which don't offer direct legal services, and oppositions from state bars about offering legal aid.
The Role of the Legal Services Corporation in Improving Access to Justice - James J. Sandman
(read 2019/02/28)
Detailed article about the Legal Services Corporation, background on funding, what they do, projects they are involved with, examples of cases they have worked on.
Justice & the Capability to Function in Society - Pascoe Pleasence and Nigel J. Balmer
(read 2019/03/03)
Discusses some broad survey about who uses the legal system the most, and what kinds of legal issues they deal with. Discussion on people that have a legal need (or some court process) but are unable or unwilling to address it, for different reasons, possibly due to lack of confidence, knowledge, time, or money.
Why Big Business Should Support Legal Aid - Kenneth C. Frazier
(read 2019/03/03)
Article about access to the justice system, and why corporations should support this. Author argues from a utilitarian point of view, that equal access for individuals helps everyone including corporations.