Multiple Justiciable Problems: Common Clusters and Their Social and Demographic Indicators

Abstract

Justiciable problems do not always occur in isolation. However, little empirical research has examined multiple problems in depth by identifying common clusters of problems, their extent, and those who experience them. The Legal Services Research Centre's Periodic Survey of Justiciable Problems is a large-scale survey undertaken in England and Wales, documenting 5,611 respondents' experience of 21 discrete problem categories. Having assessed the overall incidence and overlap of problem types, hierarchical cluster analysis, based on each respondent's experience of these categories, was used to identify clusters. We then established social and demographic predictors of each cluster using mixed-effects Poisson regression and examined each problem type's likelihood of overlapping with further problems, both within and between identified clusters. We highlight policy implications of our findings, particularly concerning developing "joined-up" solutions to multiple "joined-up" problems.

Evidence of the Need for Aggregate Litigation

“…The action referred to is seeking advice, not even filing a lawsuit. The low rate of action is reported to be similar to earlier studies of England and Wales (PLEASENCE et al [2004]). Most visibly, the United States is surprisingly nonlitigious.…”

Access to Civil Justice and Race, Class, and Gender Inequality

“…142-43, table 4.1). How people respond to an initial problem may also predict whether it begets new ones in cascades of trouble (Genn et al 1999, Pleasence et al 2004. Social class and socioeconomic differences in how people experience problems and respond to them can mean that the same initial event-for example, disputing a property tax assessment-creates very different consequences for those in different class positions.…”

Mental Health and the Experience of Social Problems Involving Rights: Findings from the United Kingdom and New Zealand

“…Rights problems have a tendency to cluster, in that their experience has an additive effect and certain types of problems are commonly seen to occur in combination (Moorhead, Robinson, and Matrix Research and Consultancy, 2006;Pleasence et al, 2004b). It is now becoming apparent that clusters extend to a broader range of social and health problems (Moorhead et al, 2006).…”