International Interest in N.S. Justice Project

A Nova Scotia study of the needs of people who represent themselves in court has attracted interest in countries as far away as Hong Kong and Australia and will be featured at a national meeting of court administrators being held this week in Halifax.

Acting Justice Minister Ernest Fage says the self-represented litigants project is another example of streamlining the justice system to make it more accessible for Nova Scotians.

"I want to thank the project team and advisory committee that led this project, and members of the public who answered survey questions," said Mr. Fage. "The report's 20 recommendations will advance our goal of providing the best service possible for people who want to represent themselves in court."

The department surveyed 40 judges, 163 court staff and 58 people who represented themselves in legal proceedings. Of those who did not use a lawyer, 40 per cent said they did not need or want one, 34 per cent said they could not afford one and 26 per cent said they couldn't get legal aid. The project team also sat in on 20 court hearings.

Among other findings: people who represent themselves in court often do not have enough information to do it properly; they would clearly benefit from additional resources such as brochures and do-it-yourself kits; most are involved in cases before family, criminal and small claims courts and; they need the most help early on, before they file documents with courts.

The study and its recommendations will be discussed at the Association of Canadian Court Administrators Spring Learning Event being held in Halifax, today to Wednesday, March 31 at the Prince George Hotel.

The self-represented litigants needs assessment study is available on the website at www.gov.ns.ca/just/publications/publications.htm .