Measuring the Costs and Quality of Paths to Justice: Contours of a Methodology
Hague Journal on the Rule of Law 3 (2011), p. 349-379
26 Pages Posted: 23 Sep 2008 Last revised: 8 Mar 2013
Date Written: September 17, 2008
Abstract
Legal problems and justice needs are similar in different jurisdictions and different locations. Processes for resolving them, as well as rules determining outcomes vary widely, however. Measuring the price (costs) and quality of such 'paths to justice' from the perspective of the user is likely to enhance users' choice, enable comparison and learning, to increase transparency, and to create incentives for improving access to justice. This paper discusses the contours of a methodology for this purpose and of some concrete tools for measuring costs, procedural quality, and outcome quality. Conceptualization of a path to justice, criteria and items included in the measurement framework, as well as different data collection methods, are presented. Experiences from two pilot studies give insight in the challenges that lie ahead, and in the potential uses of the (developing) measurement methodology.
Keywords: access to justice, costs of justice, quality of the procedure, quality of the outcome, paths to justice, measuring justice
JEL Classification: K4, K40
Suggested Citation: Suggested Citation
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