Contents Executive Summary
i
Introduction
1
Defining Procedural Fairness Research Methodology Report Structure
1 2 2
I. Procedural Fairness Throughout the Courthouse
3
Accessing the Court: Establishing Respect and Trust Interaction between Court Staff and Court Users Understanding Court Proceedings Ensuring a Voice in the Court
3 6 9 12
II. Key Venues: Traffic, Small Claims, Family and Juvenile Cases
15
Traffic Cases Small Claims Cases Family and Juvenile Cases
16 18 19
III. Key Users: Self-Represented, Limited English, and Culturally Diverse
23
Self-Represented Litigants Limited English Proficiency Culturally, Ethnically, and Racially Diverse Populations
23 27 29
IV. Assessing Procedural Fairness
31
Procedural Fairness Assessment: Instrument for Court Leadership
32
Resources
37
References
40
Appendix: List of Sites Visited and Stakeholders Interviewed
42