Access to Justice

El presente documento tiene como objetivo aportar, desde la perspectiva de genero y la Teoria Finalista del Derecho Penal, un analisis del caso de la senora Clara Tapia Herrera, acusada por el delito de corrupcion de menores en contra de sus dos hijas y su hijo, todos ellos menores de edad.

El justicia mayor, ya reciba el nombre de corregidor, gobernador o alcalde mayor, fue el cargo principal del señorío y tuvo un alto valor práctico y simbólico. El presente trabajo aborda el conflictivo mundo de los jueces señoriales en Castilla la Nueva con documentación judicial. En una primera parte, se analizan los conflictos con los alcaldes ordinarios de los pueblos, el rechazo a la imposición de justicias mayores en determinadas localidades, el interés, económico y forense, de los titulares de señorío en tener tales jueces, así como el uso por los vasallos de las leyes del reino en defensa de la autonomía concejil. En una segunda parte se intenta trazar perfil de los justicias mayores de señorío, a través de datos que aparecen en los distintos procesos, sobre su procedencia geográfica y social, su preparación, su vida material, sus mentalidades y actitudes. Mundo rural. Justicia. Señoríos. Jueces señoriales. Municipios. Pleitos y conflictos. Historia social. Castilla la Nueva. Edad Moderna.

17 nNo figura la tierra porque, aunque tenía numerosas parcelas pequeñas, eran dezmeras a la Dignidad por lo que, al no poder ser casa excusada, no tenía objeto incluirlas en la relación del mayor hacendado. 18 nAunque era real sitio, el Monasterio percibía las penas, por lo que cabe considerarle señor. 19 nExcluido el producto de una cabaña de ganado lanar trashumante de 11.000 cabezas.

The Code of Civil Procedure (Amendment) Ordinance, 2025 (Bangladesh), effective May 8, 2025, overhauls the civil justice system to tackle perennial issues of delay and weak enforcement through major pre-trial and trial stage reforms. Key changes mandate a sworn affidavit of facts in the plaint to discourage frivolous cases and allow for digital service of summons via SMS and instant messaging to curb evasion of service. To expedite trials, the maximum number of allowable adjournments is reduced from six to four, and the Examination-in-Chief must now be on written affidavit to conserve court time. Furthermore, the financial disincentive for vexatious litigation has been significantly increased to BDT 50,000. These amendments emphasize active case management and professional diligence from all legal stakeholders for their intended success.

The Ordinance also introduces progressive measures aimed at securing justice for vulnerable populations and strengthening enforcement mechanisms. To remove financial barriers to execution, the responsibility of paying the judgment-debtor's subsistence allowance is shifted from the decree-holder to the Government. Crucially, the new Section 94A empowers courts to directly mandate assistance from executive authorities and the police force to enforce decrees, especially in property recovery cases. This provision is designed to ensure that court orders are effectively implemented against powerful opponents, thereby translating judicial pronouncements into tangible reality and fostering a more equitable legal environment.

This paper critically examines whether legal fairness can exist without equality of access. While some argue that fairness is grounded in impartial laws, fair judges, and procedural safeguards, others contend that unequal access undermines justice by limiting individuals’ ability to defend their rights and eroding trust in the legal system. Drawing on jurisprudential theory, human rights standards, and comparative legal analysis, the paper concludes that true legal fairness cannot be achieved without equal access. Fairness requires not only the equal application of law but also genuine accessibility for all members of society.

La diversidad cultural es un tema delicado para tratar en un contexto jurídico monista que reconoce como única juridicidad válida la promulgada por los poderes de la república. Costa Rica ha incorporado el uso de los peritajes antropológicos como forma de reconocimiento de las diferentes nociones de Derecho que habitan en los pueblos indígenas de nuestro país. Sin embargo, dichos peritajes encuentran dos principales problemas. Por un lado, la solicitud por parte de los tribunales realiza petición taxativa que impide que el quehacer antropológico exponga ampliamente la situación cultural que se da; por otro lado, la propia diversidad dentro de las comunidades representa un panorama donde diferentes grupos pueden tener nociones de derecho propio que se oponen entre sí.

The rapid rise of mediation, particularly in the resolution of cross-border commercial disputes, has intensified global focus on the role of accreditation. Traditionally regarded as a flexible, party-driven process, mediation increasingly relies on accreditation as the foundation of trust, competence, and professional legitimacy. Accreditation provides assurance of mediator impartiality, ethical conduct, and technical skill, thereby enhancing party confidence and aligning practice with international enforcement frameworks such as the Singapore Convention on Mediation. This article examines the conceptual and practical significance of accreditation in international mediation, with reference to leading global standards and bodies, including the International Mediation Institute (IMI), the Centre for Effective Dispute Resolution (CEDR, UK), the Civil Mediation Council (CMC, UK), and the Singapore International Mediation Institute (SIMI/SMC). It further explores accreditation’s harmonizing function across jurisdictions, its impact on party satisfaction and settlement outcomes, and its evolving role in the digital era of virtual mediation, hybrid Arb-Med-Arb processes, and artificial intelligence (AI). Finally, the article considers continuing professional development (CPD) and training-of-trainers (TOT) pathways essential for the sustainable professionalization of mediation worldwide.

This study would not have been possible without the collaboration of over 400 individuals drawn from organizations working in the girls' education space in Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda on education and gender equality issues. To all those who took the time to fill in the survey questionnaire, spent hours sharing information and experiences with us on-line or in-person, and welcomed us into their institutions to learn first hand what they were doing -we do not take you for granted. It was both an honor and a privilege to get a glimpse into the challenges that you face and to learn from your experiences. We cannot name all of you, not only because of the huge numbers but also because of our commitment to your privacy and confidentiality. Last but not least, I would like to commend the Jaslika team from Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda for their perseverance and commitment to the process, from inception to dissemination. You spent many months and sleepless nights collecting, transcribing and analyzing the data; for your ideas and insights as participating observers and making substantive contributions to the writing of the report.

מאמר זה עוסק במנגנוני הפיצוי הקיימים בישראל לנפגעי אסונות רבי נפגעים אזרחיים ולנפגעי
פעולות איבה, תוך התמקדות במקרה מבחן של מגה אסון ה- 7 באוקטובר 2023 . המאמר מצביע
על כשלים במצב המשפטי הקיים, הכולל את פקודת הנזיקין וחוק התגמולים לנפגעי פעולות
איבה, שאינם מותאמים להתמודדות עם אירועים המוניים – הן מהותית והן פרוצדורלית. בשל
היעדר גורם מתכלל ומענה כולל מותאם לאירוע רב נפגעים, נפגעים רבים נאלצים לפעול באופן
עצמאי וללא מסלול ברור לקבלת סיוע. מאמר זה מציע מתווה ועקרונות למנגנון פיצוי ייעודי,
מבוסס אחריות ללא אשם, לצד קריאה להסדרה חוקית קבועה וצופה פני עתיד, שתספק מענה
מהיר, שוויוני, מקיף ומכבד לכלל הנפגעים באירועים מסוג זה.

Não atendeu a todas as expectativas. Desalentou aqueles que nutriam enorme esperança de que a Justiça seria completamente outra a partir de sua promulgação. Nada obstante, ela tem um inegável mérito. Sinaliza as exigências do constituinte em relação ao juiz do futuro. Qual seria o juiz do futuro? Segundo o constituinte, aquele capaz de assegurar a todos a razoável duração do processo e de implementar os meios que garantam a celeridade de sua tramitação 1 . Essa é uma ponderável transformação das expectativas da nação a respeito de seus juízes. Mas não é a única. O constituinte também se deteve a traçar atributos do juiz do futuro. Eles seriam, dentre outros, o desempenho, a produtividade, a presteza no exercício da jurisdição, além de assiduidade e aproveitamento em cursos de Aperfeiçoamento 2 . São qualidades nem sempre contempladas pela sistemática vigente de

Abstract (prepared by Todd AI):

This collaboration traces two threads that meet in one demand: courts that can do justice. On one side, a Washington petition challenges judicial fact-finding at summary judgment and urges neutral judges, independent courts, and truth-finding trials. On the other, a Brazilian advocate-Marcia Almeida-models cross-border witness and calls for practical reforms so knowledgeable citizens can be heard.

•In 2025, the European Commission proposed a return regulation including
controversial measures that risk violating migrants’ rights.
• The proposal was done without an impact assessment, with the last comprehensive
assessment of EU return policy dating back to 2014.
• The European Parliament should insist on evidence-based policymaking during the
negotiations, and re-balance inter-institutional responsibilities regarding impact
assessments.
• EU return policies based on simplistic and unchecked narratives are likely to lower
return rates and to legitimize demands of far-right parties.

The idea of replacing human magistrates with silicon ones may prima facie appear outrageous, but we have seen how the proliferation, accessibility, and low cost of AI-based legal services will rapidly trigger an exponential increase of the volume of juridical caseload worldwide. The advent for AI adjudication, however, is not a result of popular demand; no crowds gather demanding robot judges. It is, instead, the natural corollary of the enthusiastic expansionism of the technology sector, eager to optimise another human sphere; and by a managerialist outlook that occasionally confuses speed with quality, and process with purpose. The same machine learning drivers that are democratising legal services will ultimately necessitate the mechanisation of the bench. Society cannot simultaneously embrace unlimited legal accessibility and maintain human-scale judicial systems.

O acesso à justiça é um direito constitucional fundamental, imprescindível para a promoção da igualdade e da cidadania em uma sociedade democrática. Este direito não é apenas um princípio jurídico; é uma condição essencial para a realização plena dos direitos humanos e para a construção de um Estado que respeite e proteja a dignidade de todos os cidadãos. No entanto, a efetivação desse direito ainda enfrenta desafios significativos, especialmente para grupos vulneráveis, como as mulheres. Muitas delas lidam com barreiras profundas que se manifestam de várias maneiras, incluindo a sobrecarga de trabalho, as responsabilidades familiares e a violência doméstica, além da falta de recursos financeiros e do preconceito cultural enraizado em nossa sociedade. Esses obstáculos tornam o sistema judicial tradicional, que frequentemente é lento, complexo e muitas vezes hostil, quase inacessível para mulheres que já enfrentam múltiplas demandas em suas vidas cotidianas. O ambiente jurídico pode parecer um labirinto, onde as regras e procedimentos são frequentemente desiguais e intimidantes. Nesse contexto, as inovações tecnológicas emergem como soluções práticas que visam não apenas incluir, mas democratizar o acesso à justiça. Ferramentas como balcões virtuais, audiências virtuais e os Centros Judiciários de Solução de Conflitos e Cidadania (CEJUSCs) representam um avanço significativo na busca por uma justiça mais acessível e eficiente.

This article presents a comprehensive historical and jurisprudential analysis of the Code of Civil Procedure, 1908 (CPC), examining its evolution from a fragmented colonial legal framework to a foundational pillar of Bangladesh's modern civil justice system. The study traces the CPC's origins through successive legislative efforts in the pre-1908 era and explores its core principles, including Ubi Jus Ibi Remedium, due process, and Res Judicata. It critically analyzes the inherent tension between procedural rigidity and the pursuit of justice, highlighting the role of Section 151 in empowering the judiciary with inherent powers to prevent procedural abuse.

The paper then follows the CPC's journey within the unique legal landscape of Bangladesh, detailing its seamless continuity through the transitions of 1947 and 1971. A significant portion of the analysis is dedicated to contemporary reforms, particularly the comprehensive Code of Civil Procedure (Amendment) Ordinance, 2025, which aims to modernize the system through technology integration, stricter trial management, and enhanced decree enforcement. The study also examines landmark judicial interpretations by the Supreme Court of Bangladesh, demonstrating how the judiciary has actively adapted the Code to prevent procedural technicalities from obstructing justice. The conclusion assesses the enduring challenges of case backlogs and systemic delays, arguing that legislative reforms must be complemented by infrastructural investment and institutional capacity building to ensure the CPC fulfills its promise as a true handmaid of justice for all citizens.

The Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) as the exclusive interpreter and enforcer of the Revised Treaty of Chaguaramas (RTC), has contributed significantly to the establishment of principles emanating from the four freedoms in the RTC, freedom of movement, provision of services, capital and the right to establishment thereby elevating the treaty-based rights beyond the confines of the RTC. This short article will explain the nature of the four freedoms in the RTC and elucidate upon the principles that the CCJ has espoused.

ABSTRACT prepared by Todd AI for attorney Scott Erik Stafne:
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This "out-of-order" entry gathers a day's worth of threads into one witness. In prayer and Scripture (Psalm 23; 1 Kings 5), I relearned the order of discernment-spirit → soul → flesh → community-and the call to build with "costly stones" where no one sees: rest, truthfulness, clean motives. From that posture we framed a people-first amicus in Clark, centered on the paired principles that neutral adjudicators require independent courts, including the simple rule that a neutral judge-not the challenged judge-must decide timeliness of recusal. We aligned this with our Correspondences Across Continents work with Meisam and the upcoming NACLE series (Antiquity→Nuremberg; Nuremberg→Today). Even our site hiccup served the lesson: fix foundations, then speak. Today ends with a smile and a clearer vow-let the Spirit set the work, and let our public actions serve truth over mammon, especially for families.

This paper traces the historical evolution of the Code of Civil Procedure, 1908 (CPC), a foundational procedural law governing civil litigation in the Indian subcontinent. Beginning with the fragmented legal systems of the early British colonial period, the study examines the initial, rudimentary attempts at judicial administration and the subsequent need for legal codification. It analyzes the successive codification efforts, from the enactment of the Code of Civil Procedure, 1859, through its revisions in 1877 and 1882, highlighting their respective shortcomings and progressive improvements. The paper argues that the 1908 Code represents a culmination of these reforms, establishing a comprehensive and adaptable legal framework distinguished by its separation of substantive principles (Sections) and procedural details (Orders and Rules). Furthermore, the abstract discusses the Code's enduring legacy, particularly its continued relevance and application in modern-day Bangladesh, where it has been subjected to necessary amendments to address contemporary challenges. The analysis underscores the CPC's role as a cornerstone of the legal system, embodying the principles of justice, fairness, and judicial economy.

Keywords: Civil Procedure, Legal History, Codification, British India, Bangladesh, Judiciary

Resumo: A sociedade moçambicana é atravessada por complexas redes de resolução de litígios, constituídas por conjuntos de instâncias que assentam em variadas ordens normativas e usufruem de diferentes graus e fontes de legitimidade. Assim, para além dos tribunais judiciais e dos tribunais comunitários, cuja principal fonte de legitimidade deriva do Estado, existem outras instâncias cuja legitimidade assenta em outras fontes, como a proximidade cultural em relação aos cidadãos, a eficácia, o tipo de soluções alcançadas, a celeridade e/ou os baixos custos. O potencial emancipatório destas deriva de constituírem modelos alternativos a uma justiça e a um conceito de direito de inspiração neoliberal, promovendo o acesso à justiça nos contextos em que se inserem e podendo funcionar como referência à criação de modelos mais democráticos de acesso à justiça em todo o mundo. Este texto pretende discutir esta temática a partir do trabalho de investigação realizado no Bairro de Inhagoia «B», cidade de Maputo. Centrando-se no desempenho do grupo dinamizador e do tribunal comunitário, procura analisar as suas fontes e graus de legitimidade que, condicionadas pelas suas lógicas de funcionamento e pelo percurso histórico institucional, variam substancialmente, e perceber o papel que estas instâncias desempenham na promoção do acesso à justiça e no fortalecimento da democracia moçambicana. O processo de «transição democrática» que Moçambique atravessa desde a adesão aos programas de reajustamento estrutural, em 1987, tem acarretado transformações profundas na sociedade moçambicana, que ultrapassam o âmbito económico, abrangendo o político, o social e o cultural. No plano político, a introdução de democracias liberais vem sendo acompanhada por um amplo programa de reforma do Estado, do qual destacamos aqui a componente judiciária.

Proteção do Consumidor nas Plataformas Digitais Globais.
Discurso no 1º Congresso Latino-Americano de Direito,
Universidade Mackenzie, Brasília.
Temas abordados:
O que é um consumidor.
O que é uma pessoa "vulnerável" e hipervulnerável.
As 100 regras de Brasília.
A oferta nas plataformas de E-commerce.
Obrigação de informar.
Botão de arrependimento.

Disertación en el 1er. congreso Latino-americano de Derecho, Universidad Mackenzie, Brasilia.
Temas tratados:  Qué es un consumidor. Qué es un "vulnerable" e hipervulnerable. Las 100 reglas de Brasilia.  La oferta en las plataformas de E-commerce. Obligación de informar. Botón de arrepentimiento.

ABSTRACT:

These legal filings (request for recusal with supporting evidence) present a September 15, 2025 filing in Cook v. Kim et al. (Los Angeles Superior Court, No. 23STCV14729): a verified statement and motion to disqualify a judicial officer for cause under CCP § 170.1(a)(6). The declaration alleges courtroom remarks affecting counsel’s perceived professionalism (where counsel is the plaintiff’s son), discovery-management concerns, and potential financial-interest issues, and seeks reassignment and voiding of specified orders. Included are legal standards, factual proffers, and supporting citations. Publication aims to aid scholarly and practitioner discussion on due-process neutrality, recusal, and incentives in civil courts. Allegations are those of the declarant; no merits ruling is implied.
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Editor’s note (Scott E. Stafne, Sept. 19, 2025): These are the declarant’s allegations filed in an ongoing matter. We publish for research and public-interest discussion. Any responses from parties or the court will be appended.

Criminal investigations form the foundation of justice systems across the globe, serving as the primary mechanism through which truth is uncovered and accountability is enforced. In Zambia, this process is legally anchored in the Criminal Procedure Code, Chapter 88, and the Penal Code, Chapter 87, which collectively define the procedural and substantive frameworks for lawful investigations and prosecutions. As criminal activity becomes increasingly sophisticatedranging from cybercrime and financial fraud to transnational offenses-the skills and techniques employed by investigators must evolve accordingly. This article examines the dynamic intersection of investigative methodologies, statutory procedures, and ethical boundaries that shape modern criminal investigations. Traditional techniques such as witness interviews, physical surveillance, and forensic analysis remain essential, yet they are now complemented by advanced tools including digital forensics, geospatial mapping, and artificial intelligence. These innovations offer enhanced efficiency and precision but also introduce new challenges related to privacy, data protection, and algorithmic bias. Legal procedures-particularly those codified in Chapter 88-play a critical role in safeguarding individual rights throughout the investigative process. The Penal Code (Chapter 87) further delineates the scope of criminal liability, guiding investigators in the classification and handling of offenses. Ethical considerations are equally vital, as investigators must navigate dilemmas involving coercive interrogation, profiling, and surveillance overreach. By exploring these interconnected dimensions-anchored in Zambia's legal framework, this article provides a comprehensive blueprint for improving investigative practices. It advocates for integrated training, technological regulation, and statutory reform to ensure that criminal investigations remain both effective and just in an increasingly complex world.

Resumen: El autor analiza en la dogmática del delito de omisión a la asistencia familiar, sus elementos configurativos, así como los requisitos de procedibilidad; además, la diferencia entre ambos (elementos del tipo objetivo y requisitos de procedibilidad), también se analizan las razones que justifican que, en el presente delito, existan requisitos de procedibilidad; por último, se analiza cuáles son los medios de defensa que se deben presentar, tomando en consideración que nos encontramos ante un delito taxativo-literal, en cuanto se refiere a la invocación obligatoria del requerimiento de incoación del proceso inmediato.

This paper builds on presentations offered by the authors during a panel at the Society of American Law Teachers 2014 Teaching Conference:For the law professor committed to social justice, the greatest demand for change should come from within. Indeed, the need to transform legal education most acutely impacts the public served — or often ignored — by the legal profession. This is a truth that can’t be forgotten as law schools explore, promote, and implement changes in legal education. Academic activists should be first in line to lead the way to promote the democratization of both access to law school and access to legal services. Too often, however, law schools and educators replicate the hierarchies that they rail against. The so-called rankings of American law schools have become particularly pernicious, with practices that drive up cost, decrease minority enrollment, and ignore many of the key factors that help law schools cultivate students that will engage in socially respons...

La Cour suprême du Canada est récemment intervenue dans les arrêts Antic, Myers et Zora sur des questions entourant la mise en liberté provisoire par voie judiciaire et l'infraction d'omission de se conformer à une promesse ou une ordonnance, communément appelée « bris de condition ». Les avocat•e•s de la défense jouent un rôle important dans l'élaboration des pratiques des tribunaux de juridiction criminelle, surtout auprès des populations marginalisées.

This article describes several cases heard by the Alberta Court of Appeal during the first five years after the Charter was proclaimed. In doing so, it highlights the key contributions made by the Court of Appeal to early Charter interpretations. It further explores how the Alberta Court of Appeal’s Charter judgments were received by the Supreme Court of Canada. It outlines the contributions that these judgments made to foundational principles of Charter interpretation and ultimately concludes that the Alberta Court of Appeal had a significant role in shaping how the Charter was understood and applied.

This paper proposes a critical analysis of the role of law and rights in the use of coercive practices in psychiatry, which are increasing in Global North countries. The first part focuses on rights as a framework for coercion. The development of mental health legislation has not altered the historical criteria for coercive psychiatric practices but has formalized the link between mental health and risk or incapacity, with rights providing the framework for coercion and maintaining the status quo. The second part examines rights as a reason for coercion. Following the recognition of rights in mental health, the right to treatment has taken precedence over the right to consent and refuse care, and over procedural rights. Legislative and judicial initiatives have multiplied in recent years in the name of rights and through a compassionate approach, facilitating increasingly implicit, negotiated, and "consented to" psychiatric coercion practices. The third part analyzes rights as an obstacle to individual, collective, and political mobilization. It examines the barriers individuals face in claiming their rights in court, the impossibility of asserting structural rights violations within the justice system, and the inability to collectivize rights claims, highlighting how implementing marginalized groups' rights contradicts the legal system's foundations. Finally, by monopolizing and directing the struggle concerning psychiatric coercion, rights prevent the denunciation of the structural issues at its core.

El presente artículo analiza la relevancia de la justicia agraria para América Latina y para el Paraguay, y los efectos e impactos que genera en el sistema jurídico paraguayo la carencia de justicia especializada agraria. Se identifican las propuestas relativas a la justicia agraria formuladas en el proceso constituyente de 1992, y los proyectos de ley en la materia presentados desde la apertura política de 1989 hasta marzo de 2025. El estudio aporta evidencias respecto de la necesidad de que el Paraguay cuente con un sistema de justicia agraria que garantice el cumplimiento del derecho de la reforma agraria establecido en la Constitución, y tutele de manera efectiva los derechos campesinos protegidos por el derecho agrario vigente en el país, conforme al carácter de orden público de sus normas. El enfoque teórico del análisis es el garantismo jurídico y, respecto al modo de estudiar el derecho, el artículo se inspira en el modelo integrado de ciencia  jurídica planteado por Ferrajoli.

This article introduces and defines Spiritopsychopathology as a new Coafrwological discipline. Emerging from the Pan-African science of Coafrwology-founded upon the principles of order, justice, restoration, and global African renaissance-Spiritopsychopathology names the psychospiritual pathology underlying Western systems of domination, including colonialism, slavery, racism, and neocolonialism. Unlike Western psychology, which focuses primarily on the disorders of the individual mind, Spiritopsychopathology diagnoses the collective, civilizational disorders that animate structures of oppression against Africans and their descendants. Drawing upon the work of Fanon (1952; 1961), Ani (1994), Mbembe (2001), Wynter (2003), and others, this article situates the concept historically, outlines its theoretical foundations, and presents its diagnostic and therapeutic functions within the broader Coafrwological project.

India’s transition to the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), and Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam (BSA) in July 2024 marks the most significant criminal law reform in more than 150 years. Yet, over 40 million college students across 45,000 institutions remain poorly informed about their legal rights and responsibilities. Official reports from the National Crime Records Bureau, University Grants Commission, and National Commission for Women confirm concerning trends: a sharp rise in student-targeted cybercrime, financial fraud, harassment, and exploitation. Despite this, most legal awareness programs remain fragmented and ineffective, leaving students without basic knowledge of applicable laws.

This study develops a comprehensive legal literacy ready reckoner specifically designed for Indian college students. Unlike conventional awareness campaigns, the framework integrates:

Shakti (Legal Knowledge): clear summaries of key provisions under BNS, BNSS, BSA, and allied laws most relevant to student life.

Yukti (Practical Application): step-by-step action strategies for emergencies such as cyber fraud, harassment, tenancy disputes, and financial scams.

Mukti (Ethical Foundation): culturally grounded narratives that connect traditional Indian wisdom with modern justice, improving retention and relevance.

The novelty of this ready reckoner lies in its triadic framework, practical orientation, and cultural alignment. It transforms legal literacy from abstract memorization into a usable student survival guide. Based on secondary analysis of official statistics, published research, and institutional reports, the study also presents expected projections. Widespread use of this framework could significantly increase legal awareness, improve reporting behavior, and reduce student vulnerability to exploitation.

The ready reckoner is intended not only for students but also for police, educators, and policymakers. It provides a structured model that can be embedded into orientation programs, campus safety initiatives, and national education policy. By connecting India’s new criminal laws (2024) with practical and culturally relevant guidance, this framework addresses an urgent gap and offers a scalable, evidence-based solution for student empowerment and crime prevention.

This paper, Justice in the Margins: A Reflection on Barriers to Accessing Justice in Bikita, Mutasa, and Insiza Districts, examines the structural, cultural, and institutional obstacles that limit communities’ ability to claim and enjoy their rights. Drawing from field experiences and case reflections, the paper highlights how gender, poverty, geography, and weak institutional capacity intersect to constrain access to justice. It discusses challenges such as long distances to courts, limited legal aid, socio-cultural norms that discourage reporting of gender-based violence, and gaps within state and non-state justice mechanisms.

The paper argues that while Zimbabwe has made progress in strengthening justice systems, significant disparities remain at district level, especially for women and marginalized groups. It reflects on the role of community-based organizations, traditional leaders, and civil society in bridging justice gaps, while also noting the limitations of ad hoc interventions without systemic reform.

The analysis contributes to ongoing debates on access to justice in rural contexts by showing that justice is not only a legal question but also a social and developmental one. The paper calls for sustained investment in legal aid, capacity building of local justice actors, and multi-sectoral collaboration to ensure that justice reaches the margins where it is most needed.

ABSTRACT:
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This article by Osama S. Qatrani responds to Scott Erik Stafne’s essay Who Should We Trust Least: The President, The Congress, or The Courts? with deep analysis and global perspective. Qatrani affirms that the judiciary, when it abandons impartiality, becomes the gravest danger to liberty — more dangerous than executive overreach or legislative capture — because it can distort the very meaning of law itself.
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For those of us who have witnessed courts serve Mammon instead of justice, this response is a powerful confirmation: when judges choose hypocrisy over truth, democracy collapses into empty ritual. Yet Qatrani reminds us the struggle is not uniquely American. From Libya and Iraq to Europe and Latin America, the same patterns appear: elites manipulating institutions, courts legitimizing injustice, and citizens forced to seek protection in civil society, grassroots solidarity, and international witness.
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We publish this response not only to honor Osama’s scholarship, but also to amplify a prophetic truth: justice without impartial courts is no justice at all. The call of our time is clear — scholars, advocates, and people of faith must unite across borders to expose judicial corruption, resist Mammon’s rule, and restore adjudication grounded in truth.

Este trabalho realizou um exame sobre o atendimento da Defensoria Pública durante o primeiro ano de pandemia da Covid-19, com o intuito de esboçar um panorama das ações adotadas para manter o acesso à justiça diante das medidas de isolamento e distanciamento social, vez que a exclusão digital se mostra latente no País. Como recorte do trabalho, optou-se por examinar o atendimento da Defensoria Pública do Estado de Goiás, em virtude de Goiás ter sido o último Estado do País a instituir e estruturar a instituição. Para o desenvolvimento do artigo, foi realizada pesquisa bibliográfica, normativa e exploratória nos dados governamentais disponíveis nas fontes de informação de acesso aberto. Observou-se que a suspensão de atendimento presencial pela Defensoria Pública impactou no acesso à Justiça, pois o atendimento virtual ainda não se apresenta como eficaz para a parcela mais vulnerabilizada da sociedade que se encontra excluída digitalmente.

Rancangan Undang-Undang (RUU) Perampasan Aset, yang masuk dalam Prolegnas Prioritas 2025, menjadi harapan baru dalam pemberantasan korupsi di Indonesia melalui pendekatan non-conviction based asset forfeiture (NCBAF). RUU ini bertujuan mempercepat perampasan aset hasil kejahatan tanpa proses pidana penuh, mengatasi keterbatasan regulasi yang selama ini hanya memulihkan 5% kerugian negara akibat korupsi. Namun, potensi rekayasa mekanisme oleh DPR, seperti klausul ambigu, persyaratan bukti ketat, atau keterlibatan Mahkamah Kehormatan Dewan (MKD), mengancam efektivitas RUU. Berdasarkan Teori Konstruksi Sosial dan Birokrasi Politik, DPR dapat memanfaatkan narasi dan struktur internal untuk melindungi elit politik, menciptakan hambatan administratif yang melemahkan substansi RUU. Transparansi, keterlibatan masyarakat sipil, dan pengawasan eksternal menjadi kunci untuk memastikan RUU ini menjadi alat hukum yang efektif, bukan sekadar wacana politik yang melindungi status quo.

This article explores the evolving landscape of criminal procedure by examining the intersection between statutory law and its real-world application. It unveils how procedural rules-often perceived as rigid legal frameworks are interpreted, adapted, and sometimes challenged in practice. Drawing on case studies, courtroom observations, and comparative legal analysis, the study highlights discrepancies between legal ideals and procedural realities, offering insights into systemic challenges, reform efforts, and the lived experiences of legal actors. The research employs a multi-method qualitative approach. First, doctrinal analysis is used to examine statutory provisions, constitutional mandates, and judicial precedents governing criminal procedure. Second, empirical fieldwork including courtroom observations and semistructured interviews with legal practitioners (judges, prosecutors, defense attorneys, and police officers) provides insight into how these laws operate in practice. Third, a comparative legal framework is applied to assess procedural models across selected jurisdictions, with a focus on Zambia, South Africa, and the United Kingdom. This triangulated methodology enables a nuanced understanding of how criminal procedure functions not merely as a legal construct, but as a dynamic process shaped by context, discretion, and institutional culture. Methodology This study employs a multi-method qualitative research design to investigate the interplay between statutory criminal procedure and its practical implementation. The methodology integrates doctrinal legal analysis, empirical fieldwork, and comparative legal inquiry to provide a holistic understanding of procedural dynamics.

208 JOURNAL OF URBAN AND CONTEMPORARY LAW [Vol. 42:207 students in clinical programs. While the insights which inform these choices arise out of the CUNY experience,1 they are relevant to law teachers from other schools who are questioning the lawyer&#x27;s role ...

Parlamento Europeo: P10_TA(2025)0059
Derechos humanos y democracia en el mundo y política de la Unión Europea al respecto:
informe anual 2024.
Resolución del Parlamento Europeo, de 2 de abril de 2025, sobre los derechos humanos y la democracia en el mundo y la política de la Unión Europea al respecto: informe anual 2024 (2024/2081(INI)). (C/2025/4390).

Abstracts Multilíngues
Português (original de referência)
Este estudo analisa as infrações de menor potencial ofensivo no Brasil, destacando a relevância do procedimento simplificado previsto pela Lei nº 9.099/95 e suas alterações. O trabalho evidencia como o Termo Circunstanciado de Ocorrência (TCO) e os Juizados Especiais Criminais oferecem uma resposta ágil, proporcional e humanizada para crimes leves, reduzindo a sobrecarga do sistema judiciário, evitando prisões desnecessárias e garantindo a efetividade da justiça. A pesquisa demonstra que esse modelo fortalece a confiança social na lei e promove equilíbrio entre eficiência e respeito aos direitos fundamentais.

English
This study examines minor criminal offenses in Brazil, emphasizing the importance of the simplified procedure established by Law No. 9.099/95 and its amendments. It highlights how the Record of Circumstantial Occurrence (TCO) and the Special Criminal Courts provide a swift, proportional, and humanized response to minor crimes, reducing the judiciary’s overload, avoiding unnecessary imprisonment, and ensuring effective justice. The research demonstrates that this model strengthens public trust in the law and promotes a balance between efficiency and respect for fundamental rights.

中文 (Mandarim simplificado)
本研究探讨了巴西的轻微刑事违法行为,强调了《第9.099/95号法》及其修正案所确立的简化程序的重要性。研究指出,情况记录书(TCO)和特别刑事法庭能够对轻微犯罪做出快速、适度且人性化的回应,从而减轻司法系统的负担,避免不必要的监禁,并确保司法的有效性。研究表明,这一模式增强了公众对法律的信任,并在效率与基本权利的尊重之间实现了平衡。

हिन्दी (Hindi)
यह अध्ययन ब्राज़ील में छोटे आपराधिक अपराधों की जांच करता है और कानून संख्या 9.099/95 तथा उसके संशोधनों द्वारा स्थापित सरलीकृत प्रक्रिया के महत्व पर प्रकाश डालता है। यह दर्शाता है कि परिस्थितिजन्य घटना रजिस्टर (TCO) और विशेष आपराधिक न्यायालय किस प्रकार छोटे अपराधों के प्रति त्वरित, अनुपातिक और मानवीय प्रतिक्रिया प्रदान करते हैं, जिससे न्यायपालिका पर बोझ कम होता है, अनावश्यक कैद से बचा जाता है और न्याय की प्रभावशीलता सुनिश्चित होती है। शोध यह दिखाता है कि यह मॉडल कानून में सामाजिक विश्वास को मजबूत करता है और दक्षता तथा मौलिक अधिकारों के सम्मान के बीच संतुलन स्थापित करता है।

Español (Espanhol)
Este estudio analiza las infracciones penales de menor potencial ofensivo en Brasil, destacando la relevancia del procedimiento simplificado previsto en la Ley nº 9.099/95 y sus modificaciones. Se resalta cómo el Término Circunstanciado de Ocurrencia (TCO) y los Juzgados Especiales Criminales ofrecen una respuesta ágil, proporcional y humanizada a los delitos leves, reduciendo la sobrecarga del sistema judicial, evitando encarcelamientos innecesarios y garantizando la efectividad de la justicia. La investigación demuestra que este modelo fortalece la confianza social en la ley y promueve el equilibrio entre eficiencia y respeto a los derechos fundamentales.

العربية (Árabe)
تتناول هذه الدراسة المخالفات الجنائية البسيطة في البرازيل، وتبرز أهمية الإجراء المبسط المنصوص عليه في القانون رقم 9.099/95 وتعديلاته. وتوضح كيف يوفر محضر الحادث الظرفي (TCO) والمحاكم الجنائية الخاصة استجابة سريعة ومتوازنة وإنسانية للجرائم البسيطة، مما يقلل من عبء النظام القضائي، ويتجنب السجن غير الضروري، ويضمن فعالية العدالة. وتبين الدراسة أن هذا النموذج يعزز ثقة المجتمع في القانون ويحقق التوازن بين الكفاءة واحترام الحقوق الأساسية.

Français (Francês)
Cette étude analyse les infractions pénales de moindre potentiel offensif au Brésil, en soulignant la pertinence de la procédure simplifiée prévue par la Loi nº 9.099/95 et ses modifications. Elle met en évidence comment le Procès-Verbal Circonstancié (TCO) et les Tribunaux Spéciaux Criminels offrent une réponse rapide, proportionnée et humanisée aux délits mineurs, réduisant la surcharge du système judiciaire, évitant les emprisonnements inutiles et garantissant l’efficacité de la justice. La recherche montre que ce modèle renforce la confiance sociale dans la loi et favorise l’équilibre entre efficacité et respect des droits fondamentaux.

Deutsch (Alemão)
Diese Studie untersucht geringfügige Straftaten in Brasilien und hebt die Bedeutung des vereinfachten Verfahrens hervor, das durch das Gesetz Nr. 9.099/95 und seine Änderungen eingeführt wurde. Sie zeigt, wie das Tatbestandsprotokoll (TCO) und die Sonderstrafgerichte eine schnelle, verhältnismäßige und humanisierte Reaktion auf leichte Straftaten ermöglichen, wodurch die Justiz entlastet, unnötige Inhaftierungen vermieden und die Wirksamkeit der Rechtsprechung gewährleistet werden. Die Forschung zeigt, dass dieses Modell das Vertrauen der Gesellschaft in das Gesetz stärkt und ein Gleichgewicht zwischen Effizienz und dem Respekt vor grundlegenden Rechten fördert.

Русский (Russo)
В данном исследовании рассматриваются правонарушения небольшой тяжести в Бразилии, подчёркивается важность упрощённой процедуры, установленной Законом № 9.099/95 и его поправками. Отмечается, что Протокол обстоятельств (TCO) и Специальные уголовные суды обеспечивают быстрый, пропорциональный и гуманизированный ответ на мелкие преступления, снижая нагрузку на судебную систему, предотвращая ненужные заключения под стражу и гарантируя эффективность правосудия. Исследование показывает, что эта модель укрепляет доверие общества к закону и способствует балансу между эффективностью и уважением к основным правам.

Italiano (Italiano)
Questo studio analizza i reati di minore potenziale offensivo in Brasile, sottolineando la rilevanza della procedura semplificata prevista dalla Legge n. 9.099/95 e dalle sue modifiche. Viene evidenziato come il Verbale Circostanziato di Occorrenza (TCO) e i Tribunali Penali Speciali offrano una risposta rapida, proporzionata e umanizzata ai reati minori, riducendo il sovraccarico del sistema giudiziario, evitando incarcerazioni inutili e garantendo l’efficacia della giustizia. La ricerca dimostra che questo modello rafforza la fiducia sociale nella legge e promuove l’equilibrio tra efficienza e rispetto dei diritti fondamentali.

日本語 (Japonês)
本研究は、ブラジルにおける軽微な犯罪を対象とし、法律第9.099/95号およびその改正によって規定された簡易手続きの重要性を強調している。状況調書(TCO)と特別刑事裁判所が、軽犯罪に対して迅速で比例的かつ人道的な対応を提供し、司法制度の負担を軽減し、不必要な拘禁を回避し、司法の有効性を保証することを明らかにする。研究は、このモデルが法律に対する社会的信頼を強化し、効率性と基本的権利の尊重とのバランスを促進することを示している。

한국어 (Coreano)
이 연구는 브라질의 경범죄를 분석하며, 법률 제9.099/95호와 그 개정안에서 규정된 간소화된 절차의 중요성을 강조한다. 상황조서(TCO)와 특별형사법원이 경범죄에 대해 신속하고 비례적이며 인도적인 대응을 제공하여 사법 시스템의 부담을 줄이고, 불필요한 구금을 방지하며, 정의의 효과성을 보장하는 방식을 보여준다. 연구는 이러한 모델이 법에 대한 사회적 신뢰를 강화하고 효율성과 기본권 존중 사이의 균형을 촉진한다는 것을 입증한다.

Türkçe (Turco)
Bu çalışma, Brezilya’daki hafif suçları incelemekte ve 9.099/95 sayılı Kanun ve sonraki değişiklikleriyle öngörülen basitleştirilmiş usulün önemini vurgulamaktadır. Olay Tutanağı (TCO) ve Özel Ceza Mahkemelerinin, küçük suçlara hızlı, orantılı ve insancıl bir yanıt sunduğunu; böylece yargı sisteminin yükünü azalttığını, gereksiz tutuklamaları önlediğini ve adaletin etkinliğini garanti ettiğini göstermektedir. Araştırma, bu modelin toplumsal güveni güçlendirdiğini ve verimlilik ile temel haklara saygı arasında dengeyi teşvik ettiğini ortaya koymaktadır.

עברית (Hebraico)
מחקר זה בוחן עבירות קלות בברזיל ומדגיש את חשיבות ההליך הפשוט שנקבע בחוק מס' 9.099/95 ותיקוניו. הוא מראה כיצד דו"ח נסיבות (TCO) ובתי המשפט הפליליים המיוחדים מספקים מענה מהיר, מידתי ואנושי לעבירות קלות, מפחיתים את העומס על מערכת המשפט, מונעים מעצרים מיותרים ומבטיחים את יעילות הצדק. המחקר מצביע על כך שמודל זה מחזק את אמון החברה בחוק ומקדם איזון בין יעילות לכיבוד זכויות יסוד.

This study investigates the effectiveness of Online Dispute Resolution (ODR) and Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) mechanisms in enhancing the resolution of consumer disputes in Colombia, identifying the inadequacy of traditional judicial processes to promptly and effectively address consumer rights violations as the primary research problem. It explores the integration of ODR into Colombia's dispute resolution framework, emphasizing the roles of the Superintendence of Industry and Commerce and the amicable composer in streamlining the resolution process. The study uses a qualitative approach, incorporating a review of existing legislation and practices related to ADR mechanisms and consumer rights. The analysis indicates that ODR, when supplemented by mediation and amicable composition, can effectively address consumer disputes. It is identified that the application of ADR through new ODR technologies should uphold principles of expediency, efficiency, and immediacy, as well as principles specific to the chosen ADR mechanism. This study is a novel exploration of the potential benefits and challenges of integrating ODR mechanisms in Colombia's consumer dispute resolution processes. It adds value by illuminating the roles of the Superintendence of Industry and Commerce and the amicable composer in this context. The study concludes that with appropriate regulatory frameworks and public policy, ODR can enhance access to justice and alleviate the strain on the state's judicial apparatus. It underscores the need for the State to define a policy that guarantees resources, structure, and defined rules to implement ADR mechanisms effectively.

The hastag No. viral No. justice has recently emerged on social media platforms creating its own discourse in the justice system. This research aims to examine how the impact of this phenomenon on the judicial system and to find the ideal mechanism of digital transformation of justice so that this phenomenon remains in line with the principle of due process of law.This research method uses a social legal with a case study approach and conceptual approach in answering the problem formulation. This research found that this phenomenon is motivated by the slow response of law enforcement officials and the lack of transparency of the judicial system, then the impact of this phenomenon disrupts the independence of the judiciary because it is tried by the media and has the potential to accommodate the spread of hoaxes and public disinformation. To answer these challenges, the author proposes a digital transformation of the judiciary through the optimization of SIPP, by adding a verification link feature on the SIPP page. So that access to case tracking becomes more transparent. In addition, there are also new rules regarding the publication of unresolved legal cases on social media by requiring the admin and related accounts to provide a disclaimer and link to the SIPP verification link of the case. This regulation is regulated through the revision of the ITE Law by the legislators.

Over the past decade, technological advancements have led to significant transformations in various
aspects of life, including the judicial system. In particular, ongoing innovations in information
technologies are reshaping the provision of legal services. In recent years, a rapidly developing field
known as “legal technologies” has emerged, integrating law and technology comprehensively. This field
continues to expand as legal professionals increasingly incorporate digital tools into their professional
activities, evolving in an interdisciplinary context. Initially, legal technologies were primarily focused on enhancing and modernizing legal professions. However, their scope has broadened, now offering the
potential to strengthen and safeguard the rights of not only legal professionals but also all individuals
seeking access to justice. Beyond facilitating access to justice, legal technologies are expected to
contribute to the dynamism of legal concepts and pave the way for a paradigm shift by aligning the
justice system more effectively with societal needs. This study examines the current advancements in
legal technologies, their practical applications, and their impact on the evolving responsibilities of the
legal profession. Rather than adopting an abstract theoretical approach, it explores the dynamic and
functional role of these technologies in shaping the relationship between law, society, and justice.

SC success in increasing case disposal rate can serve as blueprint. While pendency is a common concern across judicial forums, there is no general panacea for it. Judicial forums must assess the situation before them through careful study and use of empirical data to devise appropriate strategies

The pending of cases is one of the biggest problem in Indian judiciary. Indian judiciay is the third pillar of our democary. The supreme court stated that "Denial of speedy and timely justice can be disastrous to the rule of law". With more the 5 crore pending cases across all levels of the judiciary, the system faces a crises of efficiency and public confidence.

In any criminal justice system witness plays an important role in dispensing justice, this research article aims at examining the legal framework governing witness particularly in Tanzania jurisprudence. Witnesses in Tanzania like many other countries face challenges to tender their testimonies especially in big offences and organized crimes like corruption, terrorism, treason, money laundering, sexual and gender based violence and few to mention, this is due to intimidation and threat to their life, fear of losing their beloved ones, their jobs or their properties, and as the result normally choose to deliver nothing. The prosecution service is at high risk when witnesses are put under fear or intimidation which make it difficult for the Judges or Magistrate to decide proceedings in the basis of credible evidence. Therefore when the witness is assured with protection, he can come to the court freely and testify with full information basing on the offence proceeding in the trial.

In any criminal justice system witness plays an important role in dispensing justice, this research article aims at examining the legal framework governing witness particularly in Tanzania jurisprudence. Witnesses in Tanzania like many other countries face challenges to tender their testimonies especially in big offences and organized crimes like corruption, terrorism, treason, money laundering, sexual and gender based violence and few to mention, this is due to intimidation and threat to their life, fear of losing their beloved ones, their jobs or their properties, and as the result normally choose to deliver nothing. The prosecution service is at high risk when witnesses are put under fear or intimidation which make it difficult for the Judges or Magistrate to decide proceedings in the basis of credible evidence. Therefore when the witness is assured with protection, he can come to the court freely and testify with full information basing on the offence proceeding in the trial. Also in other jurisdiction , Witness Act No. 112 of 1998 of South Africa and Witness Protection Act, Cap 79 of 2012 of Kenya). In our jurisdiction, protection of witness is provided in section 34(3) of the Prevention of Terrorism Act No. 21 of 2002 as amended by written Laws (Miscellaneous Amendments) No.2 of 2018. Also section 194(1) (a), (b), (c), (d) and (2) of the Criminal Procedure Act 3 . Thus courts in Tanzania like other Courts in other jurisdictions are supposed to ensure compliance to the law for the purpose of witness protection. As invigorated by the Supreme Court of India in Mwahender Chawla & Others V Union of India & Others 4 , witness protection is important to ensure that the investigation, prosecution and trial of criminal offences are not prejudiced by the intimidation or threat to witnesses. According to Black Law dictionary The term 'witness,' in its strict legal sense, means one who gives evidence in a cause before a court; and in its general sense includes all persons from whose lips testimony is extracted to be used in any judicial proceeding, and so includes deponents and affiants as well as persons delivering oral testimony before a court or jury 5 . Also