USAID's Pro-Integridad and the Judiciary Promote the Approach of Justice to the Community through the Use of Plain Language

This approach made judicial processes more accessible to citizens, litigants, and lawyers. The project's primary objective was to improve communication between judges and the public, thereby enhancing citizen understanding and trust in the justice system. The project's key achievement was the development of the Judicial Manual of Plain and Accessible Language for Citizens. This manual was created with the technical assistance of the Pro-Integridad Project and was based on an analysis of judgments, legal decisions, and other legal documents. The manual was also informed by contributions from Supreme Court magistrates, institution officials, and experts in the field. Notably, the project drew on international best practices, including a similar initiative led by Dr. José Ramón Cossío, Minister of the Supreme Court of Mexico, and his advisor Dr. Roberto Lara. The manual was adopted by judges and key institution officials and is available in both printed and digital formats. Its widespread distribution nationwide was facilitated by its availability on the Judiciary's website. The project's success was acknowledged by the President of the Judiciary, Dr. Enrique Mendoza Ramírez, who emphasized the importance of modernizing language to effectively modernize the administration of justice in the country. The Pro-Integridad Project's collaboration with the Judiciary and the Supreme Court of Justice of Mexico was facilitated by a Framework Cooperation Agreement. This agreement enabled the sharing of best practices and expertise in promoting access to justice through plain language. The project's continued support for the Judiciary will focus on providing training in the use of the Judicial Manual, further enhancing the effectiveness of the justice system in Peru. The implementation of the Pro-Integridad Project has contributed to the development of a more accessible and citizen-friendly justice system in Peru. The project's emphasis on plain language has improved communication between judges and the public, leading to increased citizen understanding and trust in the justice system. The project's success serves as a model for future initiatives aimed at promoting access to justice through language reform.