Rule and Process Simplification
How Does Rule and Process Simplification Improve Access to Justice? Court processes and rules can take on a life of their own. Often these complex procedures can be simplified and improve efficiency and access for everyone including the self-represented litigant. When litigants are able to access information and forms and understand the processes, public trust and confidence in the judicial system can be improved. The role of the judge is crucial in addressing this simplification process.
For additional information see the following resources:
Crawford, Chris. Emerging Technology Trends that Will Transform Courts. (2011). National Center for State Courts, Future Trends in State Courts.
Clark, Melanca and Daniel Olmos. Emerging Strategies in Foreclosure Mediation. (2011). National Center for State Courts. Future Trends in State Courts.
Pal, Nabanita. Facing Foreclosure Alone: The Continuing Crisis in Legal Representation. The Brennan Center. November 2011. Data indicates that most homeowners have no legal advice for foreclosure proceedings. Twenty states have a foreclosure process that is done predominantly through the courts. Litigants in the remaining states have an even greater burden in accessing legal assistance.
Texas - Task Force on Judicial Foreclosure Rules. The Supreme Court of Texas The Texas Supreme Court has issued an Order Creating Task Force on Judicial Foreclosure Rules to examine Rules 735 and 736 of the Texas Rules of Civil Procedure, rules intended to address judicial foreclosure of home equity loans and reverse mortgage loans. The Task Force website includes links to Task Force meetings and forms.
See the following for a list of Foreclosure Court Programs.