JusticeTech at the Ohio State University

The JusticeTech Program at the Ohio State University, Moritz College of Law is a new, groundbreaking initiative addressing access to justice challenges in our community through cutting-edge technology solutions. By partnering with the Department of Computer Science and Engineering (CSE), the Institute for Cybersecurity and Digital Trust (ICDT) and the Translational Data Analytics Institute (TDAI), JusticeTech is uniquely positioned to bridge the gap between law and technology, enhancing teaching, research and student learning.

A cornerstone of the program is the JusticeTech capstone practicum that brings together law and computer science students to design and develop legal technologies to serve the needs of legal organizations and community partners. These projects aim to promote ethical AI applications in the legal system, evaluate the cybersecurity and safety of legal technology tools, and expand access to justice. Through hands-on projects with these partners in the community, students will gain a profound understanding of Ohio’s access to justice landscape and develop the skills necessary to create impactful solutions.

JusticeTech Program Mission: The JusticeTech Program aims to expand access to voice, remedies, and justice through ethical design and creation of technologies that will be provided free of charge to help real people, with real problems. Here's how:

• Design for Good: We champion the development and implementation of responsible technology solutions within the legal system. This means prioritizing tools that are accessible, unbiased, and promote positive social impact.
• Empowering Individuals: We believe everyone deserves a voice and the ability to navigate the legal system. We foster the creation of tech solutions that educate and empower individuals to understand their rights, access resources, and advocate for themselves.
• Democratizing Information: We work to break down information barriers by developing and promoting accessible resources. This includes clear legal information platforms, multilingual tools, and user-friendly interfaces.
• Meeting People Where They Are: We recognize the diverse needs of individuals encountering legal issues. We support the creation of technology that is approachable, regardless of location, income, or technical background.
• Reimagining Access to Justice: We push the boundaries of traditional legal services by exploring innovative tech solutions for legal representation, dispute resolution, and community-based support systems.

Key Initiatives:

• Access to Justice (A2J): Developing AI-enhanced ODR systems to provide greater access to justice, particularly for underserved communities.
• Ethical AI: Committed to designing and evaluating AI applications that mitigate bias and protect individual rights.
• Informed Policy: Ongoing research and critical analysis to shape the design and redesign of legal technologies.

Path to Excellence

• Interdisciplinary Collaboration: Teams of CSE and law students work together to advance cross-disciplinary education, research, and practical solutions.
• Project-Based Learning: Hands-on practicum courses where students design, develop,and implement ethical legal technologies.
• Public Partnerships: Providing pro-bono assistance to non-profits, courts, and individuals in need.
• Robust Research: Continuous mixed methods and user experience research to inform pedagogy and user-centric design.

Eviction

JusticeTech is addressing the critical issue of eviction in Ohio by engaging in extensive legal research, conducting focus groups, and developing comprehensive “field guides” to equip JusticeTech Capstone practicum students with a human-centered and problem-solving mindset. In this course, students will understand the current legal landscape, identify technological gaps, and innovate solutions aimed at reducing eviction rates and improving landlord-tenant relations.Through hands-on projects, students will gain practical experience and develop impactful legal technologies that address real-world challenges.

Truancy

In tackling chronic absenteeism and truancy in Ohio, JusticeTech is leveraging the power of online mediation and AI-enhanced assistance. Practicum students will collaborate in teams to design and develop innovative solutions aimed at reducing chronic absenteeism and the numberof court-involved youth. They will apply project management skills and work closely with community partners to ensure these solutions are practical and effective. This initiative seeks to foster stronger relationships between schools, students, and parents, ultimately enhancing student attendance and academic performance.

 Professor Amy J. Schmitz

Professor & John Deaver Drinko-Baker & Hostetler Chair in Law Director of JusticeTech Co-Director, Translational Data Analytics Institute Responsible Data Science Community of Practice

Professor Schmitz leads the JusticeTech program with a vision to integrate legal expertise with technological innovation. Her leadership ensures that the program not only addresses immediate legal challenges but also sets a foundation for future advancements in legal tech.

Mindy Yocum

JusticeTech Staff Attorney

Mindy Yocum is an experienced general practice attorney and the founder of JusticeMobile. At JusticeTech, she guides students through their projects, helping them develop practical solutions that serve the community effectively. Her work focuses on translating innovative ideas into real-world applications that improve access to justice.

• Kelly Adams
• Izzy Cohen
• Abigail Downs
• Angelica Wagner

Learn more about the JusticeTech program and its impact by watching this interview with Professor Amy Schmitz. Discover how this groundbreaking initiative is making a difference in the legal landscape and improving access to justice for all.

Watch video here