This study examines how increasing access to mediation for poor and low-income litigants in Illinois would meet this under-served population's legal needs. The authors provide a review of the Illinois statutes and court rules currently governing court-related mediation programs, as well as a summary of surveys they conducted with attorneys and legal service providers about mediation services in Illinois. They conclude that the state is "poised to develop mediation as a path to justice for poor and low-income disputants." They also offer a model for implementing such a program.
Susan Yates is an RSI staff member.