What is Crowdjustice?
CrowdJustice is an online crowdfunding platform dedicated specifically to helping fund legal cases in the public interest. It allows people and organizations to raise money from the general public to pay for legal fees and other expenses related to pursuing a legal case.
The platform aims to democratize access to the legal system by enabling cases to be funded that otherwise may not have the financial resources to move forward. Any legal case that is considered to be in the broader public interest can create a crowdfunding campaign on CrowdJustice.
Some examples of cases that have raised funds on the platform include legal challenges related to issues such as government accountability, human rights, civil liberties, environmental protection, and freedom of information. Campaigners write summaries of their case and what funds will be used for in order to attract backers.
Members of the public can then donate to support campaigns they believe in. If a campaign meets its funding target, the money raised goes towards covering its legal bills and costs. If not, supporters are refunded. This 'all-or-nothing' model incentivizes campaigners to set realistic targets.
As well as providing the crowdfunding platform, CrowdJustice also offers pro bono legal assistance and advice to eligible cases through its network of lawyers. This helps widen access to top legal teams.
Since launching in 2015, CrowdJustice has helped raise over £8 million ($10m) to support over 1,000 public interest cases and campaigns around the world.