Performance of lawyers in rural courts: reflections

Abstract

The actions of lawyers in rural areas present particular characteristics that differ from urban environments. Rural courts are often located in geographically distant and difficult to access areas, which poses logistical and resource challenges for legal professionals. Furthermore, these courts tend to manage a smaller volume of cases, but with greater proximity between the actors involved, which generates a closer and more community-based judicial environment. The objective of this study is to analyze the barriers that lawyers face in rural courts and the strategies they use to overcome them. A descriptive and cross-sectional study was carried out, with a quantitative, non-experimental approach. The technique used was observation and survey, carried out with 20 lawyers active in educational institutions. The result was that, despite their commitment and efforts, there are significant barriers that limit access to justice in these communities. The identification of these barriers and the positive perception of alternative dispute resolution methods suggest that there are opportunities to implement changes that improve legal practice and strengthen justice in rural contexts.

Keywords: Rural areas, Courts, Lawyers.