Date of Award

4-6-2026

Document Type

Thesis

First Advisor

Professor Juarez Perez

Second Advisor

Professor Feldman

Third Advisor

Professor Fennell

Abstract

This project examines how Putnam County can more effectively address the justice gap by examining its current legal landscape alongside the legal aid policies implemented by comparable counties. It begins with a local case study of Putnam County to identify the specific legal needs, structural characteristics, and barriers to accessing justice within the county. Building on this information, a comparative analysis is conducted with two theoretically similar counties to determine which legal aid interventions could be the most successful. Guided by these findings, practical, evidence-based policy recommendations are offered to improve the availability and quality of legal services within Putnam County. On a larger scale, this project demonstrates how locally informed, intentionally targeted legal aid strategies can create meaningful improvements in access to justice within the current legal system.

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