Abstract
This paper examines inequalities in digital access to legal information across diverse communities, highlighting how some groups—such as children and indigenous populations—receive targeted support, while others with equally pressing informational needs are overlooked. The study aims to uncover the mechanisms that shape selective inclusion in digital legal communication and to explore the broader social and ethical implications of these practices. The research adopts a theoretical approach, drawing on the concept of communities of practice to analyze how shared knowledge, social learning, and identity intersect with access to digital legal resources. By examining patterns of engagement and exclusion, the study identifies the implicit criteria that determine which communities are prioritized, including social positioning, perceived vulnerability, and institutional focus. The findings suggest that equitable digital access requires more than technological solutions; it demands attentiveness to systemic barriers, cognitive diversity, and social factors that influence participation in legal knowledge networks. This framework provides insights for policymakers, educators, and legal communicators seeking to design interventions that promote inclusive access to legal information. By linking community governance, digital equity, and ethical responsibility, the paper highlights the potential of digital legal communication and design to strengthen social cohesion and support underrepresented populations, while challenging practices that inadvertently marginalize other groups.
Presenters
Joanna OsiejewiczProfessor, Faculty of Applied Linguistics, Department of International Legal Communication, University of Warsaw, Mazowieckie, Poland
Details
Presentation Type
Paper Presentation in a Themed Session
Theme
Community Diversity and Governance
KEYWORDS
Digital Legal Communication, Communities Of Practice, Information Access, Inclusion, Community
