Justice Where We Live: Promising Practices from Rural Communities

family walking through ranch with tractors

Justice Where We Live: Promising Practices from Rural Communities

A report from LSC’s Rural Justice Task Force

Rural Americans face some of the steepest barriers to justice in the nation.

The Rural Justice Task Force, established by LSC’s Board of Directors, studied these challenges and highlighted solutions from across the country.

The final report, Justice Where We Live, offers practical recommendations for policymakers, courts, legal services providers, law schools and community leaders for closing the rural justice gap.

Read the Report

94% of civil legal problems in low-income rural households go unresolved each year.

Major barriers drive the rural justice gap:

Shortage of attorneys

Too few lawyers work in rural areas, leaving many residents without access to legal help

Digital divide

Lack of reliable internet and technology limits access to virtual legal help and court services

Distance and transportation challenges

Geographic isolation and scarce public transit make accessing court or reaching help difficult

Community trust and local needs

Effective solutions must be tailored to each community’s culture, values and circumstances

Legal Aid of the Bluegrass Mobile Services "Justice Bus"

Solutions and Recommendations

Solutions are emerging nationwide, including rural attorney recruitment programs, mobile legal clinics, community justice workers, partnerships with faith and medical providers and expanded use of technology.

Recommendations span every level – from federal and state lawmakers to courts, bar associations, law schools and local providers.

“Narrowing the rural justice gap is both a challenge and an opportunity – and solutions are already happening in communities across the country.”