The Center for Justice Innovation is on a mission to help courts facing
Sixth Amendment issues that prevent speedy trials and access to courts — and through a special program with the Bureau of Justice Assistance, they are offering that help for free.
Organization — Center for Justice Innovation
Center for Justice Innovation (CJI)
CJI is a nonprofit organization that develops, tests, and scales evidence-based programs and strategies for improving the justice system — with a particular focus on courts, prosecution, and community-based alternatives. They work directly with jurisdictions to implement reforms grounded in what the research shows actually reduces recidivism and improves case outcomes.
innovatingjustice.org ?
Funding — Bureau of Justice Assistance
BJA Sixth Amendment Initiative — Justice for All
The Bureau of Justice Assistance’s Justice for All initiative funds technical assistance to courts working to fulfill constitutional access-to-justice obligations. The CJI program operates under this initiative, making the assistance free to courts that qualify.
bja.ojp.gov ?
What This Program Addresses
6th Amendment
Right to Speedy Trial, Counsel, and Fair Process
The Sixth Amendment guarantees defendants the right to a speedy and public trial, an impartial jury, the right to confront witnesses, and the right to counsel. Court backlogs, underfunded public defense, and coercive plea practices all directly implicate these guarantees — meaning backlogs are not just administrative problems, they are constitutional ones.
The program targets the most common Sixth Amendment pressure points courts face:
Case backlogs
Availability of counsel
Trial preparation issues
Coercive elements of plea bargaining
Two Levels of Free Assistance
Level 01
On Demand Strategic Planning
Direct consultation for courts working through systemic case backlogs and access-to-justice challenges. Strategic planning support to help courts identify the structural sources of delay and design evidence-based responses. Best for courts with persistent backlogs needing a comprehensive approach.
Level 02
Limited Training and Technical Assistance
Targeted support on specific Sixth Amendment problem areas — speedy trial compliance, public defense capacity, or coercive plea practices. Designed for courts with a defined challenge that needs focused technical expertise rather than a full strategic planning process.
How to Apply
Courts can apply for assistance through CJI’s intake form. Note that this program was announced in December 2024 — verify current availability and intake status directly with CJI at
innovatingjustice.org before applying, as program terms and availability may have changed. The original application form linked from Clutch Justice:
CJI Application Form ?
Related Coverage — Sixth Amendment, Plea Bargaining, and Court Reform
How to cite: Williams, R. [Rita]. (2024, December 16). Center for Justice Innovation Offers Backlogged Courts FREE Help. Clutch Justice. https://clutchjustice.com/2024/12/16/center-for-justice-innovation-offers-free-assistance-for-courts-facing-backlogs/
