Wireless Technologyand

Access to Justice

By

Jessica Hill

“People lack many things: jobs, shelter, food, Health care and drinkable water. Today, being

cut off from basic telecommunications services is a hardship almost as acute as these other

deprivations, and may indeed reduce the chances of finding remedies to them.”

Kofi Anan, Secretary General

Wireless Technologies

Cellular phones Notebook Computers Personal Digital Assistants (PDAs)

Handheld computers allowing instant access to phone #s, addresses, appointments, email, Web

browsing Can synchronize with desktop computer to update

information instantly Range in cost from $100 to $1000.

Wireless Technology (continued) BlackBerries

Handheld device enables user to receive email via the server at his workplace

Server automatically forwards emails to handheld device, user receives notification, can then view email and reply

Advantages Most of the advantages are for advocates,

indirectly for clients Advocate can work more efficiently Advocate can be more readily available to

clients Advocates can work more collaboratively

with other advocates, organizations, social services

Technology Adoption Life Cycle Crossing the Chasm by Geoffrey Moore

Develops and discusses market development patterns in technology-based markets

Groups market into five groups

Five Groups Innovators

Techies – will try anything Early Adopters

Want to get ahead of herd Early Majority

Pragmatists – want to stick with the herd Late Majority

Conservatives Laggards

Skeptics

To gain mass market success, the pragmatists MUST adopt the technology.

The gap between the early adopters and the pragmatists is where the technology will either catch on or fail.

The Digital Divide Factors

Ethnicity Those who have access to internet

National Average – 41% African-Americans & Hispanics – 23%

Income 78% of households making more than $75,000 have

internet access at home 38% of households making between $25,000 and $30,000

have access at home 25% of households making less than $25,000 have access at

home

Factors (continued) Education Level Age Location Literacy Language

The Digital Divide (continued) Physical access alone as a solution is not

enough, other barriers exist Differences in knowledge and computer skills Differences in attitude towards using

computers Inadequate online content available for needs

of low-income citizens

The Digital Divide (continued) Must ensure that each person has meaningful

access to the internet and new communications technologies

Must create useful content on the internet, material and applications that serve the needs of low-income users Local information about their communities Information about employment, education Information understandable for those with limited

literacy skills, information in multiple languages, culturally appropriate content

How can Wireless Technology help the typical

Self-Represented Litigant?

Digital Courthouse CourtNet – set of applications and physical

devices inside court building, between courts within each state, and with the internet

Access to Justice Project A few CourtNet system components:

Interactive Translator – software tool able to translate verbal and text-based information into different languages

General Info – explains about the court system in general

Archetype Finder – system of questions that guides litigant to his/her archetype (categorization based on type of case)

System Components (continued) Pursuit Elevator – allows litigant to evaluate

whether pursuing a case will be worth time, money, and effort. Runs best/average/worst case scenarios

Complaint Formulator – assembles data into various formats based on litigant’s answers to questions

Court Navigator – portable device that provides guidance within court building. Especially useful for non-native speakers and disabled

System Components (continued) Legal Seat – kiosks or courtroom seats,

delivers educational and logistical information to litigants

Community Connections – online networking system linking courts with community organizations, advocacy groups, social service agencies, park districts, neighborhood groups, churches, etc.

The End.