A Sociological Evaluation of Financial Issues of Litigants with Reference to the Impediments in Access to the Justice

Abstract

This study aimed to assess the financial barriers hindering access to justice from a sociological and socio-legal standpoint. Conducted in Karachi, Pakistan, this quantitative, descriptive, and exploratory study surveyed 547 litigants in district courts using purposive sampling. Data were collected via a Likert scale survey and analyzed using SPSS software. The research revealed a significant correlation between financial challenges and access to justice, indicating that financial constraints impede justice accessibility. It also found a noteworthy relationship between access to justice and sources of income, as well as higher court process expenses affecting access. The study linked lawyer fees to other litigation expenses and highlighted a positive correlation between stress levels and access-to-justice costs. Addressing financial barriers and reducing court expenses can enhance access to justice, necessitating policy reforms and support mechanisms to mitigate financial burdens on litigants.