A new policy brief examines how “access to justice for all will remain elusive unless justice experts begin to evaluate and address the fiscal dimensions of the justice gap”.

The “Justice Gap and the Budget Black Hole” policy brief examines the benefits of results-based budgeting models and performance-oriented budgets for connecting budgets to substantive social justice agendas. The policy brief highlights lessons from gender budgeting, human rights budgeting, equality and well-being budgeting, and green budgeting that could be helpful for justice budgeting. In considering the role of budgets in shaping social outcomes, it is important to look beyond traditional justice services, explore empirical research on what works to meet people’s justice needs, examine which populations are underserved by current investments, and look at how other disciplines and sectors promote or deny justice. The brief urges more data on public and private investment in justice services and the return and benefits of investing in justice.

“The Justice Gap and the Budget Black Hole: Promoting Justice for All through Budget-Based Work” was prepared by Gustavo Maurino. The policy brief was commissioned by Pathfinders for Peaceful, Just and Inclusive Societies.

To access the policy brief in English, please visit: https://cic.nyu.edu/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/The-Justice-Gap-and-the-Budget-Black-Hole-2023.pdf.