SOC 5325 - Access to Justice

Access to Justice examines how structural inequalities lead to regional, national, and global justice gaps. The course investigates needs and problems confronted by communities; disparities in access to information and legal resources; how groups perceive and employ the justice system; representation and inclusion within the legal profession; and the attainment of substantively just outcomes. The course then explores strategies to address these concerns, including approaches traditionally employed by the legal profession and innovative legal, social, technological, and architectural solutions designed to bridge gaps between communities and justice.

Requisites:
Credit Hours: 4
Repeat/Retake Information: May not be retaken.
Lecture/Lab Hours: 4.0 lecture
Grades: Eligible Grades: A-F,WP,WF,WN,FN,AU,I
Learning Outcomes:

Students will be able to describe and discuss theories of access to justice.
Students will be able to document and explain how inequalities of class, race, gender, sexuality, and age result in disparities in access to justice.
Students will be able to identify and discuss the challenges and needs of regional and global communities through a sociological lens.
Students will be able to discuss and critically assess historical and contemporary strategies of increasing access to justice among marginalized communities.
Students will be able to critically identify, evaluate, and propose solutions to access to justice needs in their local communities.