The foundation of an open and accessible legal system rests on the ability of courts, researchers, and the public to freely access and reference the law. Yet, legal citation remains controlled by commercial publishers, PACER fees create financial barriers to court records, and proprietary legal research tools restrict public access. Open-source technology, neutral citations, and PACER reform offer a path toward a more equitable system.

This session will explore how open-source court tools, neutral citations, and efforts to modernize PACER can democratize legal information and improve access to justice. We will highlight real-world examples of jurisdictions implementing neutral citations, discuss legislative efforts such as the Open Courts Act, and examine how open-source solutions can reduce costs and increase transparency. Attendees will leave with actionable strategies to advocate for open legal infrastructure in their institutions and communities.

Learning Objectives:

  1. Understand the role of open-source technology in improving court transparency and access to legal information.
  2. Explore the benefits of neutral citation systems and their impact on legal research and judicial independence.
  3. Examine the barriers posed by PACER fees and how the Open Courts Act proposes to modernize access to court records.
  4. Identify opportunities for legal academia, technologists, and librarians to advocate for open legal infrastructure.
  5. Learn how collaboration between courts, nonprofits, and legal technology developers can drive sustainable reforms.
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