Conference: Harvard Judicial Leadership Conference (SRLN 2007)

Based on the research of the Self-Represented Litigation Network (SRLN), the resources below make up the original judicial curricula prepared by the National Center for State Courts (NCSC), the American Judicature Society, and the National Judicial College, with funding from the State Justice Institute, for the November 2007 conference Access to Justice for the Self-Represented at Harvard Law School. 

An updated series of educational modules based on these curricula is available to assist trial judges in developing the skills needed to manage the increasing number of cases involving self-represented litigants. These modules can be accessed here: Curriculum: Access to Justice for the Self Represented (SRLN & NCSC 2013).

Curriculum Power Points

Introduction and Overview for Prospective Presenters and Organizers
Introductory Curriculum on Access to Justice for the Self Represented
Curriculum 1 - Access to Justice in the Courtroom for the Self Represented
Curriculum 2 - An Overview of Judicial Leadership in Access to Justice for the Self Represented

Curriculum Materials

Introduction & Guide to Curriculum Materials - Access to Justice in the Courtroom for the Self Represented
Handbook of Resource Materials  
Handbook of Optional Activities

A series of video tutorials from the original curriculum is also available and can be made accessible to judges by request -- for more information, please contact us at [email protected]. 

National Bench Guide

Part of the original curriculum, the 2008 SRLN National Bench Guide for Judges is designed to help judges handle the growing self-represented litigant portion of their caseload. Based on the experiences of hundreds of judges who have shared their perspectives, ideas, and suggestions, this guide includes tools and techniques to help judges run their courtrooms effectively, comply with the law, maintain neutrality, and increase access to justice.

State-Specific Conference Resources
In addition to the materials above, the original curriculum drew upon a range of court/academic resources and materials from the following U.S. states/territories:

Connecticut
Delaware
Iowa
Maryland
New York
Ohio
Utah
Virgin Islands
Washington
Washington, D.C.