This resource is by the American Bar Association Rule of Law Initiative, titled “Access to Justice Assessment Tool: A guide to analyzing access to justice for civil society organizations.”

The manual provides civil society organizations with the tools they need to conduct useful and reliable research on access to justice. The manual was inspired by a belief that justice sector reform is most effective when it is based upon sound research. Research helps civil society organizations understand a justice system’s strengths and weaknesses. It also allows them to make an informed decision as to what reforms are necessary and appropriate. This understanding of the access to justice situation ensures that reforms target key problems, and coordinate with and complement existing institutions and initiatives. Research also strengthens the case of reformers by providing evidence of the need for change and real-life examples of the positive effect that change will have.

This manual is a comprehensive guide to access to justice research that both novice and experienced researchers can use. This manual concentrates on explaining the basic skills and concepts necessary for research to be useful and reliable. It does not seek to convert civil society organizations into academic-level research institutions. The American Bar Association Rule of Law Initiative (ABA ROLI) hopes that this manual will contribute to a culture of evidence-based decisionmaking and advocacy among access to justice organizations.