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Aug 24, 2018
"Never mistake law for justice. Justice is an ideal, and law is a tool." --L.E. Modesitt, Jr.
How to Put the Power of Law in People's Hands
What can you do when the wheels of justice don't turn fast enough? Or when they don't turn at all? Vivek Maru is working to transform the relationship between people and law, turning law from an abstraction or threat into something that everyone can understand, use and shape. Instead of relying solely on lawyers, Maru started a global network of community paralegals, or barefoot lawyers, who serve in their own communities and break the law down into simple terms to help people find solutions. Learn more about how this innovative approach to using the law is helping socially excluded people claim their rights. "A little bit of legal empowerment can go a long way," Maru says. This is about growing reforms from the experience of ordinary people trying to make the rules and systems work. This transformation in the relationship between people and law is the right thing to do. It's also essential for overcoming all of the other great challenges of our times.
BE THE CHANGE
Are there situations in your sphere of influence where the law isn't being followed to the harm of individuals? Is there a way to help to ensure justice, either by petitioning lawmakers or supporting those who are fighting the injustice?