Tech Meets Good: Helping self-justice

By Dan Estabrook - October 27, 2008 One of the many issues that those in poverty face here in the U.S. is access to legal representation.  Although guaranteed a lawyer under the Constitution, many people choose to represent themselves based on many reasons: hectic two- and three-job schedules, a need to care for a child, ignorance and a plethora of other reasons. Fortunately, for those people who decide to take their representation into their own hands, a tool called A2J, (for access to justice) grew out of a study conducted seven years ago by faculty and students at the Chicago-Kent College of Law.  In some instances, there aren't enough public defenders available to assist those in need so many are using technology to conduct their own defense, offense, documents and even self-representation.  People are also using the tool for less serious endeavors, such as creating notices to stop harassment from credit collection companies and documents that create a health-care power of attorney - all services that are out-of-the-question for most poor people in this country. While the tool does not replace actual legal representation, it can help people better understand the system in which they find themselves lost and uninformed.  Many have used to fight evictions and ask for payment waivers on court fees. While A2J currently has limited distribution, the Chicago-Kent College of Law is making the software available via its project web site.  The school is targeting courts, legal service organizations and government offices to integrate A2J into their practices. “The leading rule for the lawyer, as for the man of every other calling, is diligence. Leave nothing for to-morrow which can be done to-day.” - Abraham Lincoln “Technology Meets Good” is a regular Monday feature at Tonic News.  If you have cool examples of technology doing good in our world, please email dan[at]tonic.com.