We have been contacted by a researcher at Queen’s University who is conducting research entitled Criminal Defence Lawyers and the Representation of Marginalized Clients in Canada.
The researchers are looking for volunteers to participate in a 15-minute survey. Here is a note from Queen’s:
The aim of the survey is to ask defence lawyers across Canada about their experiences in representing marginalized people, in order to understand how social context is taken into account in practice and in court proceedings.
By “marginalized people” we mean, for example, those who experience racial discrimination, homelessness or financial insecurity, and those who are stigmatized because of mental health or substance use, or because they are sex workers.
Participation in this survey consists of answering the questions. Respondents are not required to identify themselves. The confidentiality of personal information will be preserved, and no information allowing respondents to be identified will be disseminated.
Participation is voluntary, and participants may refuse to answer one or more questions without explanation. They may stop participating at any time during the survey. However, once the survey has been completed and sent out, it will no longer be possible to withdraw from the research, given the anonymity of the responses.
There is no particular risk in participating in the study. Nor is there any particular benefit for you directly, apart from advancing knowledge of legal representation for marginalized litigants and helping to improve access to justice.
English survey: https://queensu.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_d5AYabryCoKKN6e
French survey: https://queensu.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_0GjyeIN7CoPwgbI
Thank you in advance for your consideration and time in sharing this survey.
More details here. https://queensu.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_d5AYabryCoKKN6e