Home - Civil Justice Research Initiative

Too often, the courthouse doors are closed to those who have suffered serious injuries and violations of their rights. By emphasizing rigorous scholarship and thorough research, the Civil Justice Research Initiative can make a real difference in access to the American justice system.
Dean Erwin ChemerinskyUC Berkeley School of Law

Dramatic changes to the civil justice system threaten to undermine our rights as citizens. By documenting these changes and exploring their consequences, the Civil Justice Research Initiative will strengthen civil justice in the United States.
Valerie HansProfessor of Law, Cornell Law School

The fair and impartial administration of justice is the bedrock of our democracy. Without access to courts, the fundamental rights afforded by our Constitution may be stripped away. The work of CJRI will provide judges, lawyers and policymakers a sound basis for decision-making.
Roman M. Silberfeld National Trial Chair, Robins Kaplan LLP

The Civil Justice Research
Initiative explores, through interdisciplinary, academically-based
and independent research, how the civil justice system can be made
more available to everyone seeking relief.

Rank of the united States among 113 countries in “accessibility and affordability of civil justice.”

100Million+

Number of people in the United States living with civil justice problems, many involving basic human needs like housing, health care and custody of their children.

The percent of the civil legal problems reported by low income Americans for which they received inadequate or no legal help.

CIVIL JUSTICE NEWS

Access to Justice Work Earns MacArthur “Genius Grant”

American Bar Foundation faculty fellow Rebecca Sandefur has been awarded a MacArthur Fellowship for 2018 for her work promoting a new, evidence-based approach to increasing access to civil justice for low-income communities.

EVENTS

What’s Happening in Federal Court?

The inaugural symposium of the Civil Justice Research Initiative at Berkeley Law brought together leading legal scholars and social scientists from around the country to share their research and discuss the legal process in federal courts. See event photos >

CIVIL JUSTICE RESEARCH

National Conference of State Courts, The Landscape of Civil Justice Litigation in State Courts

The NCSC undertook a study entitled The Landscape of Civil Litigation in State Courts to document case characteristics and outcomes in civil cases disposed in state courts.