I

Introduction

The majority of people who are charged, act as witnesses, or sit on juries in the criminal justice system may not be able to use written legal documents or materials effectively. They may not read and write well enough to cope with unfamiliar or complex information, such as reading and acting on a notice to appear. Others may have limited information about legal procedures and terminology, making understanding the context and meaning of legal materials difficult.

The purpose of this publication is to assist lawyers, judges, police, court staff and others working in the criminal justice system:

• to improve their awareness and understanding of the needs of justice system users, particularly those with limited literacy skills; and
• to improve the effectiveness of justice system communications with users.

This booklet explains how literacy awareness and links with literacy organizations can help criminal justice system officials:

• to save time and money;
• to avoid unnecessary public and media criticism;
• to reduce miscarriages of justice; and
• to strengthen public and client confidence in the criminal justice system.¹