JusticeCorps

Help others help themselves find justice. Learn about the law - and life - in return.

Watch the public service announcement!
(This link opens a new window and requires Flash)

And Visit the JusticeCorps Website!

On the JusticeCorps website go to JUSTICECORPS COLLEGE STUDENT (MINIMUM-TIME MEMBER/300-HOUR) PROGRAM and select "Learn more..." to access the membership application.

Taking applications until all open slots are filled.

WHAT is JusticeCorps?

Funded through an AmeriCorps grant, JusticeCorps is a collaborative project of:

• The California Administrative Office of the Courts
• Superior Court of California, County of Los Angeles
• Five local universities including California State University Dominguez Hills, California State University Northridge, California State University Long Beach, Cal Poly University Pomona and University of California, Los Angeles
  
• Several local legal aid agencies and the Los Angeles County Department of Consumer Affairs

Students will be recruited from these local universities to provide assistance in 10 L.A. area Self-Help Legal Access Centers and with the L.A. County Department of Consumer Affairs Small Claims Advisor. Members will be asked to make a 300 hour commitment.

Members will be trained by experts in the field of family law, housing law and small claims law throughout the program year. Members serve the public by providing legal assistance through one-on-one direct contact with the public, legal workshops, and computer terminals designed to assist the public in completing legal forms. Members have the opportunity to network with the legal community, such as judges, attorneys and court administrators and learn more about the law and the courts. After completion of 300 hours, JusticeCorps members will receive an educational award/stipend of $1,000 which can be used for up to 7 years.

WHY JusticeCorps?

California is experiencing an explosion in the number of individuals appearing in court without legal representation on a variety of matters from family law to housing issues. The majority cannot afford legal representation, and resources to meet the needs of these "self-represented" individuals are sorely lacking. The ratio of litigants to legal aid attorneys in California is 10,000 to 1!

Self-represented litigants face many obstacles, such as a lack of familiarity with legal terms and mandatory forms, and an inability to follow or fully comprehend court proceedings or orders given in court. This jeopardizes their ability to obtain guardianships, or to avoid domestic violence and elder abuse. It also has far-reaching societal impacts including family instability and resultant increases in numbers of children involved in the juvenile dependency and delinquency system; a general lack of public trust and confidence in the court system; increased challenges for law enforcement officers; and increased rates of homelessness.

Contact:
Center for Service Learning, Internships, & Civic Engagement
(310) 243-2438 phone; (310) 516-3495 fax
1000 E. Victoria St., SCC 3, Carson, CA 90747
Email at JusticeCorps@csudh.edu