2016 Conference Sessions
The Democracy Divide
Start Date
12-3-2016 10:40 AM
Description
The Democracy Divide is meant to frame the issues in terms of the digital divide; however, unlike the digital divide, which is attributable to a population, the democracy divide affects most citizens. Indeed, as federal and increasing state cases are moved to entirely electronic systems, individuals have become less able to access what is often thought of as basic legal documents that ensure public oversight of their democracy. The federal court system utilizes an online system of access that requires payment for services, a break with traditional ideas of access, which had been free. Thus my poster session will discuss the increase in the appearance of access to court documents and materials while the actual ability to access such materials has decreased. I will discuss the legal underpinnings for public access and the current state of federal court access, with a brief overview. The discussion will highlight some of the logistical, social, economic, and privacy barriers that exist to public online accessibility.
The Democracy Divide
The Democracy Divide is meant to frame the issues in terms of the digital divide; however, unlike the digital divide, which is attributable to a population, the democracy divide affects most citizens. Indeed, as federal and increasing state cases are moved to entirely electronic systems, individuals have become less able to access what is often thought of as basic legal documents that ensure public oversight of their democracy. The federal court system utilizes an online system of access that requires payment for services, a break with traditional ideas of access, which had been free. Thus my poster session will discuss the increase in the appearance of access to court documents and materials while the actual ability to access such materials has decreased. I will discuss the legal underpinnings for public access and the current state of federal court access, with a brief overview. The discussion will highlight some of the logistical, social, economic, and privacy barriers that exist to public online accessibility.
