Sample Filings
Practical document examples and templates that can help people understand how filings are organized and supported.
Based in Washington, DC • 501(c)(3) nonprofit
Helping Restore Justice
Empowering individuals with tools, educational information, and technology to help them pursue justice in civil and criminal matters.
Educational purpose: Empower Justice provides public education and practical tools. It does not provide legal advice and does not create an attorney-client relationship.
Our Mission
Practical help for people navigating complex systems.
Empower Justice works to expand access to justice for all, especially for people who cannot easily afford counsel. We create practical tools, sample documents, and educational information that help individuals understand their rights and navigate the legal system with greater confidence.
The Federal Rules of Civil Procedure direct that the rules should be construed, administered, and employed “to secure the just, speedy, and inexpensive determination of every action and proceeding.” Federal Rule of Civil Procedure 1
Resources and Tools
How We Help
Empower Justice develops resources that make legal processes more understandable, more usable, and more accessible.
Court Access Tools
Tools and workflows designed to reduce barriers for self-represented litigants in court and beyond.
Educational Guides
Clear, easy-to-understand legal-process explainers that help users make more informed decisions.
Technology for Justice
Software and automation that improve access, consistency, document preparation, and system efficiency.
Landmark Principles
Cases That Inspire Our Mission
These landmark examples reflect the principles that drive Empower Justice’s work: counsel, fair process, meaningful access, and respect for people navigating the system without a lawyer.
1963
Gideon v. Wainwright
Recognized that counsel is essential to a fair criminal trial for people who cannot afford a lawyer.
Learn more1972
Haines v. Kerner
Emphasized that pro se pleadings should be held to less stringent standards than formal pleadings drafted by lawyers.
Read the case1977
Bounds v. Smith
Recognized meaningful access to courts as a core principle, including access needed to prepare and file legal papers.
Read the case2011
Turner v. Rogers
Highlights the importance of notice, forms, opportunity to respond, and findings when liberty is at stake in civil contempt proceedings.
Read the caseHelpful Public Resources
Learn more about law and civics.
These public resources help people learn more about law, courts, constitutional rights, and civic education.
EmpowerJustice Corp Supporters
Empower Justice Supporters
Empower Justice is grateful for the support of the following organizations who have thoughtfully provided us with access to resources that help us further our mission.
Contact
Connect with Empower Justice
Empower Justice is based in Washington, DC. For general inquiries, please use the following address:
Please do not send confidential, urgent, or time-sensitive legal information by email. Empower Justice provides educational information and practical tools, not legal advice.
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