The legal system demands an even higher level of literacy skills than does daily work and life. Therefore it is likely that an even higher proportion of people will have trouble with legal terminology and concepts. Researchers who worked on a 1995 International Adult Literacy Survey estimated that less than 25% of Canadians would have sufficient skills to read legal documents and comprehend legal language and processes.⁵

Literacy Levels of Offenders

Statistics on offenders reveal that they are even more likely to have a low literacy level. According to the Correctional Service of Canada, the average education level of newly admitted offenders is grade 7. In 1994/95, 70% of newly admitted offenders tested below a grade 8 level in language and math. 86% tested below grade 10.⁶

While grade levels are not an accurate measure of literacy levels, research done by John Howard Societies in different parts of Canada estimates that about 68% of offenders have limited literacy skills.⁷