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Causes of Action: First Findings of the LSRC Periodic Survey
Author(s) -
Pleasance Pascoe,
Genn Hazel,
Balmer Nigel J.,
Buck Alexy,
O'Grady Aoife
Publication year - 2003
Publication title -
journal of law and society
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.263
H-Index - 48
eISSN - 1467-6478
pISSN - 0263-323X
DOI - 10.1111/1467-6478.00243
Subject(s) - action (physics) , principal (computer security) , perception , population , advice (programming) , range (aeronautics) , psychology , social psychology , sociology , computer science , demography , computer security , engineering , physics , quantum mechanics , neuroscience , programming language , aerospace engineering
In this paper we report some of the first findings of the LSRC periodic survey of justiciable problems. We confirm the prevalence of justiciable problems amongst the general population. We identify important differences in the experiences of discrete socio–demographic populations, not only in terms of the number of problems faced, but also in terms of the perception of problems and reactions to them. We show that cost is not the principal barrier to taking action or obtaining advice across most problem categories. Other concerns, such as fear or uncertainty as to what can be done are generally more prevalent. We illustrate the range of strategies employed by those who take action, and confirm the rarity of court action. Finally we show that the basic form of Felstiner, Abel, and Sarat's aetiology of lawsuits is recognizable within our findings, although we explain that the manner and form of progression through the various stages is complex and irregular.