Advancing People-Centred Justice: Innovative Practices to Responsive and Inclusive Justice Systems

Abstract

This article explores global practices in People-Centred Justice (PCJ), emphasising their potential to transform justice systems to be fair, inclusive and responsive to the needs of justice seekers. Drawing on diverse evidence and practical examples from multiple jurisdictions, the study examines how innovative PCJ practices are being implemented to close the gap between formal justice delivery and users' lived experiences. Special emphasis is given to the practices that address the needs of vulnerable and underserved groups. Despite the PCJ approach gaining prominence, there is limited depth and uptake of a wide range of its practices within a particular jurisdiction. Addressing these challenges requires enhancing participatory and inclusive approaches, broadening alternative forms of dispute resolution, and emphasising restorative models that are responsive to the needs and lived experiences of justice seekers. This should be coupled with the intersection of PCJ with health, education and other social needs to achieve inclusive benefits. Further, PCJ practices should be integrated into the national public finance and planning systems to align resource allocation with justice needs. The justice sector institutions should also scale up capacity building for both justice seekers and providers. The realisation of the benefits of PCJ aspirations further requires co-designing and co-implementing interventions with justice seekers, strengthening leadership support, investing in digitisation, and developing country and context-specific institutional guidelines.

Key Words: People-Centred Justice (PCJ), Practices, Responsive, Inclusive, Justice Seekers

DOI: 10.7176/JLPG/154-01

Publication date: July 28^th 2026