LAW 3704 - Delivering Access to Justice In a Challenged Society
The COVID pandemic and economic problems both nationally and in New York State has forced many litigants to handle legal problems and appear in court without an attorney. Many individuals are facing life altering legal issues such as eviction, immigration, family, and consumer credit. The justice system is faced with numerous challenges in ensuring equal justice to all in an increasingly diverse society.
Students will explore the delivery of legal services to low and moderate income individuals within the context of bread and butter areas of the law including criminal, housing, consumer debt and family. The course will explore various delivery of legal services models such as unbundling, pro bono and low fee models and the use of technology to provide legal assistance. Students will also explore gender, race, diversity and cultural competency issues and its effect on access to justice. Students will be exposed to substantive New York law. The course will be conducted partially in a seminar format, but will also include interactive exercises.
Students will be required to participate in a program, called Legal Hand, providing legal information and assistance to unrepresented individuals. Students will be expected to spend 40 hours training and participating in the program. Students will be required to log-in their hours of participation in the program. Judge Fisher will work out a schedule of participation for each student.
Students will receive 3 credits for the seminar. Participation in both the seminar and the program component is mandatory.
Students will learn Substantive knowledge of: Housing, Family, Divorce, and Consumer Debt. They will also gain some familiarity with the Civil Practice Law and Rules.
Students will have the opportunity to make proposals for law and court reform
Students will learn lawyering skills such as interviewing, fact investigation and analysis, both legal and social services issue spotting, and oral communication with litigants and court personnel.
Prerequisites & Notes
None. Students must take both the Seminar and participate in a Court Program
Credits: 3
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