The Access to Justice Movement

The Arkansas Access to Justice Commission was established by the Arkansas Supreme Court in 2004.  Its creation followed a conference in 2001 which brought together the justice community in Arkansas and witnessed the development of a working group which met for over two years and made the recommendation that to fulfill the promise of equal justice a commission should be founded for that purpose.  The working group’s formal recommendation which included mission, goals, and structure was submitted to the bar which in turn made the request to the Supreme Court. 

A decade ago, with support from the American Bar Association, Access to Justice Commissions became a new model in the historic development of civil legal aid in the nation.  The states of California, Maine and Washington established the first commissions in the late 1990s.  These were soon followed by states as diverse as Montana and Texas.  Currently 25 states and the District of Columbia have access to justice commissions.  They all follow the same basic model in that they are created by a state supreme court rule in response to a request by the state bar; their members represent the courts, organized bar, civil legal aid, law schools and other stakeholders; members are appointed directly by participating agencies or through the supreme court based on nominations; they are conceived as having a continuing existence; and they have a broad portfolio in assessing, coordinating and recommending initiative to advance the civil legal needs of low-income people in their state.

The potential of the access to justice movement is considerable.  First, it produces a level of court and bar engagement at all levels [both formal and informal] not normally achieved.  Second, the commissions serve as a leadership development and action vehicle providing new energy to the justice system.  Third, through both commissioner and staff contacts throughout the nation the commissions become learning laboratories for new ideas and efforts.

The Arkansas Access to Justice Commission is poised to continue building on its excellent record to date in the areas of pro bono enhancements, court assistance [pro se] projects, and support of legal services.  This monthly report seeks to engage you in this effort.  Share its contents, discuss the issues, and send in your ideas and recommendations.  These will be shared with the Commission as we seek new ways to advance the access to civil justice in Arkansas.

(Back to the Justice Report)