LiPs face the challenges of complex court systems and unfamiliar legal language. Based on an understanding of these challenges, the report sets out good practice on how to help LiPs meet those challenges and help information providers in putting LiPs at the centre of information design and provision.
Key data and findings
Dealing with court forms is a significant challenge for LiPs. This includes getting the right forms, understanding the language and purpose of the forms, understanding legal ideas, filling in the forms, and having the right attitudes and wider skills.
There was a lack of information covering these areas. Even where information is available, it is often inaccessible. ‘Co-production’ is a way to build on the strengths of different sectors. This could be extended to working on improving court forms by including all users in the design process and looking to work in other jurisdictions and other sectors.
LiPs need effective information to help them deal with being in court. This includes information on the role of the court, processes in the court, legal language, and the law itself.
Conclusions and recommendations
LiPs should be at the centre of legal information production. Material should be aimed at the least level of knowledge / experience.
Designers and writers should focus on what LiPs need to know, be able to do, and the attitudes they need and emotions they may feel when representing themselves.
To achieve this there should be training for those who produce public legal information
At a system level, efforts should be made to simplify law, procedure, and court forms.
Access to court forms and related materials needs to be improved.
Advicenow or others should produce or commission LiP focused materials, including how to guides on skill development and overviews of specific topics. They should also commission or produce a guide for judges and others on the information, help, and support which is available to LiPs.
Methodology
Judges and LiPs were asked about what LiPs need to know and be able to do when representing themselves.
Previous surveys of voluntary groups were reviewed.
Information for LiPs was assessed against ‘Better Information’ standards.
Best practice in other advice sectors and jurisdictions were covered.
