This article first appeared in the ABA Journal.
It’s a talented 10 we honor in this, the eighth year of the Legal Rebels.
Once again celebrating those women and men who are remaking their corners of the legal profession, the ABA Journal and its readers have found ample evidence of innovative thinking and forward action…
GO TO COURT WITHOUT LEAVING HOME
A few years ago, J.J. Prescott went to court to deal with a traffic ticket. The University of Michigan Law School professor waited four hours to have a very short informal hearing.
“Imagine if I lived in a rural area where the courthouse was two hours away,” he says. “And as a result, I had to miss an entire day of work to go to court, which, if I were paid by the hour, would equate to $100 or more in lost wages. All of that aggravation, all to come over to have that conversation.
“I can’t believe that in 50 years, that’s how our courts will operate.”
They might not, and Prescott’s work could be a reason why. The U-M Online Court Project, which began with his collaboration with former student Ben Gubernick, created an online platform allowing citizens to resolve smaller legal matters—civil infractions, plus minor warrants and misdemeanors—online. Users submit their side of the story and other information, answer questions and eventually hear from a decision-maker.
Prescott, 42, says at least half of court cases are minor matters that could be resolved this way: “It can happen the way you request an increase in the credit limit on your credit card—at 11 p.m. from your couch.”
The project was in the beginning stages when Prescott got the ticket. With a grant from the University of Michigan, he had a prototype made and convinced the Michigan state court administrative office to give the project access to court data.
Prescott’s startup Court Innovations is collecting data on public response, but early feedback is good. Court Innovations heard from one user who appreciated the platform because she works 12-hour days every day the court is open.
Court Innovations CEO M.J. Cartwright was brought on early to lend some business expertise. She appreciates Prescott’s willingness to let her take the lead in those areas.
“He really appreciates that you bring something to the table and he brings something to the table,” she says.