THE (NON) PERFORMANCE OF DATIVE LAWYERS IN THE SPECIAL CIVIL COURTS OF OLINDA-PE: CONTRIBUTIONS AND CHALLENGES FOR EFFECTIVE ACCESS TO JUSTICE FOR DISADVANTAGED LITIGANTS

Abstract

This study aimed to analyze the role of court-appointed lawyers in the Civil Courts of the Olinda District, investigating their contribution to ensuring access to justice for underprivileged litigants. The research question was: How does the work of court-appointed lawyers in the Civil Courts of Olinda ensure access to justice for underprivileged litigants? The methodology adopted was qualitative and exploratory, incorporating case study and documentary analysis of judicial proceedings. A total of 360 cases were cataloged from the PJe system of the Pernambuco Court of Justice, focusing on February and March 2023. After screening, 11 cases were selected, including those with and without the involvement of court-appointed lawyers. The study concluded that, although the work of court-appointed lawyers is crucial in expanding access to justice, particularly in regions with a shortage of public defenders—it is constrained by political, economic, bureaucratic, and administrative barriers that hinder its effectiveness.