Helping Legal Aid Providers and Vulnerable Communities Access Law in China through a Robust Legal Information Service System

Abstract

This paper studies the significance of the establishment of a strong, web-based digital legal information system and accompanying services in supporting legal aid providers and vulnerable groups in China. By examining the digital legal sources and services currently available through the websites of different types of legal aid institutions, and through the academic and public libraries that customarily act for the common good, the paper assesses the inadequacy of the current digital legal information system and services in China. The paper therefore advocates for prompt action to build and improve the system and services strategically and effectively, particularly to help vulnerable communities access legal knowledge, and ultimately, access justice.