The Political Economy and Access to Justice Judicial Education Seminar provides a framework for judges to unpack, interrogate, and synthesize law, academic research, and lived experience in order to identify and generate best practice models for strengthening civil, criminal, and juvenile justice systems.

PEAJJES provides judges a space to collaboratively explore the various, complex ways that policy intersects with questions of economy, politics, and access to justice.  These dynamics are examined in relation to broad, intersecting issues that affect persons appearing in court, including transportation, housing, job, and food (in)security, technological innovation and advancement, advocacy, literacy, mental health, and English as a second language.  These dynamics are also considered in relation to concepts that directly impact the judiciary, including ethics, professionalism, and judicial economy.  

The seminar’s design is further distinguished by its data-driven, discussion-intensive focus. Panels and presentations are led by legislators, judges, researchers, and practitioners. Instructional content introduces participants to the most up-to-date data and research and aims toward building participants’ capacities to critically analyze and engage the relationship between data and policy in the operations of the justice system. Time is also built into the seminar to provide participants the opportunity to explore ways to apply lessons learned; troubleshoot issues that are distinct to their jurisdictions; and problem-solve issues that cut across jurisdictions.