How Successful Legal Reform Projects Succeed Or Fail

In the long run, the shape of a legal system reflects that of the society in which it is embedded. Hence, in theory, a major disaster (like a war or a plague) or a huge change in the social structure (like democratization or sexual permissiveness) will produce the same kind of change in the law. In the short run, though, a powerful outside force will have its effect only to the extent that it produces an equal or greater amount of force to resist it.

That is why it’s important for us to understand how and why a legal reform project can succeed or fail. This is the article that makes this point by describing some of the most significant and successful projects in the world, including a Utah “sandbox” for innovation, a community of providers who deliver help to people in need, and a global network that puts the power of justice in people’s hands.

We’re also taking a step back to consider the larger issue of reform in general, and what we can learn from these examples about how to build more equitable, efficient and effective legal systems in the future. That’s important for all of us, especially lawyers who serve clients in this challenging environment. For the sake of our profession and the people we serve, let’s ensure that any legal reforms that emerge do more than simply open the door to more service providers; they close the justice gap for those who need it most.