Too Long; Didn't Read
Courts across the country purchased chatroom-like tools designed to help people resolve disagreements without the need for a full-on lawsuit, judge, or hearing. The Markup found enrollment in online dispute resolution was often low and technical problems that prevented litigants from using the services were common. Legal aid advocates also worry that the systems deepen imbalances of power between some parties. Despite these challenges, experts say they have real hope that if implemented correctly, chatroom justice could still fulfill its mission of making court proceedings less complicated and swifter.