What is access to justice?
Access to justice is an important condition for the functioning of our democratic rule of law. It can be difficult for individuals or smaller entrepreneurs to determine their legal position and/or take legal action, despite the existing legal system providing this possibility. This is what is referred to as a barrier to access to justice.
For example, when issues arise in areas such as housing, employment, healthcare or mobility, limited access to justice can stand in the way of a fair resolution. This barrier may stem from insufficient access to objective, reliable information and/or a lack of access to legal advice and support from, for example, a legal expert or attorney-at-law.
Personal circumstances often play a role alongside these issues. People may lack the necessary skills or confidence, the financial means, time or energy to address a legal problem on top of work or caregiving responsibilities. Feelings of discomfort, fear, shame, or a lack of trust in the legal system can also serve as obstacles. This is especially true for certain groups, such as young people or otherwise vulnerable individuals with limited self-reliance.
