Access to Justice and the Barriers Faced by Marginalized Communities in Civil Litigation

Authors

  • Chika Ifunanya Uzo Legal Aid Advocate, Nigeria. Author

Keywords:

Access to Justice, Civil Litigation, Marginalized Communities, Legal Barriers, Legal Aid, Structural Inequality, Socioeconomic Disparities

Abstract

This paper critically examines the barriers to access to justice faced by marginalized communities within the civil litigation process. Despite legal reforms and institutional efforts to promote equality before the law, marginalized populations continue to encounter systemic obstacles that limit their participation in civil legal proceedings. These barriers include socioeconomic disparities, limited legal literacy, inadequate representation, and procedural complexities that disproportionately disadvantage vulnerable groups. The study synthesizes literature and includes original visual representations to conceptualize the multifaceted nature of these challenges. Drawing on recent data and contextual developments, the paper proposes structural and policy reforms to improve access and equity in civil justice systems.

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Published

2025-11-10