Access to legal and justice services

Access to justice is the ability of individuals and businesses to seek and obtain a just resolution of legal problems through a wide range of legal and justice services. This involves legal information, counsel and representation to formal (e.g. courts) and alternative dispute resolution, and enforcement mechanisms (OECD, 2019). Nowadays, more emphasis is placed on legal empowerment, which enables people’s meaningful participation in the justice system and builds capabilities to understand and use the law for themselves (OECD, 2019). The rule of law requires impartial and non-discriminatory justice. Without equal access, a large portion of the population would be left behind and exposed to vulnerabilities.