What can you do when the wheels of justice don't turn fast enough? Or when they don't turn at all? Vivek Maru is working to transform the relationship between people and law, turning law from an abstraction or threat into something that everyone can understand, use and shape. Instead of relying solely on lawyers, Maru started a global network of community paralegals, or barefoot lawyers, who serve in their own communities and break the law down into simple terms to help people find solutions. Learn more about how this innovative approach to using the law is helping socially excluded people claim their rights. "A little bit of legal empowerment can go a long way," Maru says.

Vivek Maru: How to put the power of law in people's hands

How to put the power of law in people's hands

In Gujarat, coercive land acquisitions by corporations displace communities, violating environmental laws, and poisoning lives.

Community paralegals empower individuals like Ravi Nanda, translating legal jargon into action to combat environmental injustices.

Global legal empowerment, led by grassroots advocates, is vital for justice, challenging systems to protect the planet and its people.