U.S. Department
of Justice
About ATJ
Who We Are
The Office for Access to Justice (ATJ) is a standalone agency within the U.S. Department of Justice that plans, develops, and coordinates the implementation of access to justice policy initiatives of high priority to the Department and the executive branch. The work of the office promotes equal justice for all and helps to solve limitations of legal representation throughout the criminal and civil legal systems.
Mission
The Office for Access to Justice works to break down barriers to the founding principle and enduring promise of the Department of Justice: equal justice under law. Our mission is to ensure access to the promises and protections of our civil and criminal legal systems for all communities.
Vision
We believe justice belongs to everyone. Our vision is a world in which fair and efficient legal systems deliver just processes and outcomes, promote confidence in the justice system, secure public safety, and meet the critical legal needs of the American people.
Guiding Principles
The work of the Office for Access to Justice follows three guiding principles:
- Expanding Access. We expand access to legal systems by increasing the availability of legal assistance and public defense.
- Accelerating Innovation. We support research, data, and innovative strategies to improve fairness and efficiency in legal systems and to ensure Justice Department services and programs incorporate modern, evidence-based practices to further equal access to justice.
- Safeguarding Integrity. We promote policies and reforms that improve the accountability, fiscal responsibility, and integrity of legal systems and process.
Initiatives
We carry out our mission through a number of wide-ranging initiatives.