Challenges
Access to Justice isn’t just about courts and lawyers, it’s about being knowledgeable and confident in your ability to navigate the justice system, deal with common legal problems and engage with public policy makers on issue that are important to you.
Our HackJustice challenges reflect our desire to help build public engagement and participation in the justice system and policy making!
Social Media & Access to Justice | Engagement & Empowerment
Even though the policy decisions made at city hall can deeply effect our lives, it can be difficult for the general public to navigate, access and engage with policy discussions before they become enacted into law.
What if we could use Facebook or other social media tools to provide access to these discussions? More and more today Facebook – and other social media tools – are the source of our news. Facebook integration with city council could offer broader access to information for interested citizens who aren’t able to read through city council bulletins and minutes.
What if Facebook or other social media tools could also provide access to city policy makers access to quick civilian polling opportunities and instant demographic information for policy makers?
The mission: Develop ways to use Facebook or other social media tools to provide easy access to proposed policies, the ability to comment, and engage with them, and the ability to interact with other civil minded participants.
I want my money back! | Resolving Consumer Disputes
Have you ever bought something on the Internet, not got what you paid for and then had trouble getting your money back? Have you ever signed a cell phone contract expecting to see one number on your monthly bill, only to see a higher one each month? Have you ever paid money for repairs or renovations to your home, car or an appliance where you didn’t get what you paid for and the repair person or contractor didn’t make it right?
You are not alone. Within a three-year period, about 5.3 million adult Canadians will experience one or more of these consumer problems and will find them difficult to resolve. Why? Because trying to resolve these problems in court takes a long time and costs a lot of money. No wonder most people just give up on their rights.
What if court wasn’t the answer? What if we could offer consumers a quick and efficient way to resolve their dispute with companies outside of the court? What if we could help consumers avoid disputes in the first place?
The mission: Develop technology solutions that address the roadblocks that keep consumers from seeking and getting justice.
Wild Card | Life as a Law Skill
Almost everyone will experience a legal problem over the course of their lifetime. But, until that happens most people don’t know what to expect from the justice system. What are your options? What should you do? Who should you contact? Where should you go? How much will cost? These are all questions that people try to deal with after a problem arises – when they are stressed, anxious and in the midst of a legal crisis!
What if we could help people develop their ability to deal with their legal problem before they find themselves with one? What if we could help people feel confident dealing with a legal problem when it arises? What is we could help people help themselves? What is we could make law a life skill?
The mission: Develop technology tools that will help people develop the confidence and capabilities they need to deal with everyday legal problems.
This content has been updated on 25 November 2016 at 15 h 15 min.