Dear Colleagues:
The RI Judiciary wants to hear from our members and our clients!
According to a news release sent from the Rhode Island Judiciary last month, the Rhode Island Judiciary’s Access to Justice Office is conducting the court's first Access to Fairness Survey. The aim of the survey is to gather baseline data from court users about their experience navigating the court system and participating in the judicial process. This data will inform areas of improvement directly from the parties the Judiciary aims to assist. Survey results will serve as a baseline for future surveys.
Surveys will be offered over a 12-week period beginning on April 3rd. Surveys are anonymous and take under 5-minutes to complete. In order to preserve the integrity of the survey results, only court users physically in the courthouses or who are active in virtual proceedings will be asked to participate. The surveys will be available in English, Spanish, Portuguese, Arabic, French, and Simplified Chinese. Paper surveys will be available for those that need accommodations.
Tables will be setup throughout the Judiciary’s six courthouses to encourage completion of the survey and to help court visitors with the survey. Surveys can be completed at stationary laptops at the locations below. Or, individuals can scan the QR codes that will be available on signage throughout the buildings.
Respondents will be asked about their experience in the courts and their demography. Respondents are asked to rate their perception of access and fairness using a scale of one to five. Sample statements include: “The way my case was handled was fair,” “I had a chance to tell my side of the story before my case was decided,” “I easily found the courtroom or office I needed,” “I was treated with courtesy and respect.” The schedule for survey administration is as follows beginning this Monday.
Please contact the Rhode Island Judiciary’s Access to Justice Office for more information.
Please make every effort to take this survey and encourage your clients to do the same!
