The number of papers included is relatively small at the moment reflecting the lack of specific research on the role of public legal education and the inaccessibility of many papers. Plenet believes that further research is needed, both theoretical and empirical to assess need, identify gaps, and help develop initiatives to widen the delivery of public legal education.

Plenet is keen to encourage inter-disciplinary learning and relationships, and encourage researchers and scholars to contribute to the PLE movement.

Self-Helpers need help too

Research by Dr. Ab Currie at the Department of Justice in Canada carried out in 2010 examines the problems and the problem-solving strategies adopted by self-helpers – people who attempt to resolve problems without resorting to either legal or non-legal advice or assistance. Nearly, 50% of respondents in the study were self-helpers, often dealing with serious issues. The evidence suggests that public legal education should include helping people to construct their own problem solving strategies. Find out more ...

Plenet response to the Law Society's Access to Justice review

Plenet's response to the interim paper on access to justice published by the Law Society in March 2010. Plenet argues that low levels of legal capability hinder participation in civil society and that a preventative approach to legal services is long overdue. Find out more...

Legal aid and access to justice: Back to basics

Presentation by Professor Dame Hazel Genn given during a review of legal aid in October 2009. Professor Genn provides a unique insight into the purpose of legal aid and asks whether a smarter approach to legal services is now needed. Find out more...

Teaching law as a life skill - Street Law Maryland

'Teaching law as a life skill: How Street Law helps young vulnerable parents make the transition to successful adulthood' by Kavanagh and Chorak describes how Street Law's approach to legal education is reinforced by research carried out by American academics. Written in 2004, this excellent article brings together some key ideas. The list of relevant research is invaluable and should stimulate renewed interest in the need for further research and evaluation of this important topic. Find out more...

The socio-economic value of a PLE project

Valuable research published by the New Economics Foundation (nef) in 2008 into the socio-economic value of a PLE project - the Possession Prevention Project based in Southwark, South London. Find out more...

Legal consciousness: some observations

An important article by Dave Cowen (2004) outlining the latest thinking on legal consciousness. A fascinating study of unsuccessful homeless applicants reveals very mixed perceptions of the law. Find out more...

Capabilities as fundamental entitlements: Sen and Social Justice

This essay by Martha Nussbaum (2003) looks at Amartya Sen's theory of social justice and the importance of capability. Ms Nussbaun's argues that capabilities must be defined. Find out more...

Applications of the internet for public legal education

In this article, Lois Gander from the University of Alberta in Canada argues that the internet, by removing barriers between the public and the law, is one of the most significant forces of change in the approach to public legal education. Find out more...

The End of Lawyers? Rethinking the nature of legal services

In this influential book Richard Susskind (2008) argues that in a just society, access to justice should be extended to include legal guidance and legal health promotion - legal insight should be at everyone's fingertips. Find out more...

Why the "haves" come out ahead: speculations on the limits of legal change

This influential essay by Marc Galanter (1973) identifies two key players in the legal system - one-shotters (the 'have-nots') and repeat players (the 'haves') and asks if reform could be achieved by 'have-nots' taking co-ordinated action. Find out more...

(Un)covering identity in civil rights and poverty law

This fascinating essay by Anthony Alfieri (2008) looks at dangers of 'covering' or stereotyping clients and why the education and training of future civil rights and poverty lawyers should be changed. Find out more...