Access to justice ensures that everyone, regardless of their background, can seek and obtain a fair resolution to legal matters. It’s undeniable that the justice gap is growing; however, technology could offer ways to fill the cracks. Below we explore the relationship between technology and justice and examine how lawyers can use new tools and tech to help improve access to justice.
By Grant Longstaff. Published 9 January 2025.
What is the current situation of legal aid in the UK?
Legal aid has been reduced dramatically in the last decade or so, and “the fundamental right to access to justice has become more and more difficult to uphold over the last 10 years,” said former Law Society president and University of Law alumna Lubna Shuja.
The 2013 Legal Aid, Sentencing and Punishment of Offenders Act (LASPO) severely restricted the availability of legal aid in areas such as family law, housing, and immigration. This means some of the most vulnerable individuals must navigate our complex legal system without professional guidance and support.
When combined with delays in court hearings and case resolutions many are left without the support they need and justice they deserve and this, ultimately, deepens the divide.
How can technology improve access to justice?
Technology is already prevalent in the legal world, and some of this technology can go some way to improving access to justice. One of the most widely known sources are the websites of organisations such as Citizens Advice, which offer information and advice on legal matters and how the legal system works. There are online dispute resolution (ODR) platforms which can allow parties to resolve conflicts of interest without needing to attend a court in person and the use of video has become more prominent in courts since the Covid-19 Pandemic. There are also some chatbots and apps which have been developed to offer legal advice and guidance to those who need it. There are even some document automation tools which can help simplify some common legal processes such as will writing.
Disadvantages of technology in access to justice
However, advancements in legal technology aren’t without their problems. Digital exclusion, defined by the House of Lords Communications and Digital Committee as “sections of the population not being able to use the internet in ways that are needed to participate fully in modern society”, is one of the biggest barriers, felt most by older and low-income individuals.
There is also an element of legal work which could require human emotion, particularly for cases with relationships at their heart. There are also questions around the security and safety of an individual’s personal information and the accuracy of legal advice offered by chatbots powered by artificial intelligence (AI).
Can AI be used in legal justice?
There is absolutely a place for AI in the legal world. Though there is some concern AI will replace lawyers, the reality is AI tools and technology will support the work of legal professionals rather than make their roles redundant.
These tools can also help improve access to justice. For example, an AI powered chatbot offering advice to individuals could open legal advice for those unable to pay for it, and automating timely processes could help reduce the costs associated in hiring a solicitor.
However, technology alone won’t close the gap in access to justice. Utilising technology in legal practice and ensuring its accuracy will only benefit individuals if they can properly engage with the technology in the first place. More work needs to be done.
What is the future of technology in access to justice?
Ultimately, legal professionals must recognise both the benefits of using technology and its limitations in helping improve access to justice. We believe one of the most effective ways of doing so is by ensuring legal education embraces the developing tech in the sector whilst remaining watchful that such tools are fair, accurate and benefit those who need it most. We’ve even created dedicated postgraduate courses for legal professionals interested in legal technology to help enhance the knowledge in the sector.
If you’re looking to improve access to justice through technology our MSc, Postgraduate Diploma and Postgraduate Certificates in Legal Technology offer the perfect way to get stared.
