The purpose of Beyond Research’s existence is to enhance access to justice in Zambia and Southern Africa. This is done through five programmes:
This is a programme whereby law students facilitate workshops and seminars in the local communities and government departments on specific areas of the law relevant to the specific audience. Beyond Research trains the students on delivery methods and ensures that their understanding of law is accurate. When satisfied, Beyond Research connects the students to the relevant audience.
This is a programme through which law students and practitioners go to prison and teach prisoners and prison officials about prisoners’ rights, human rights in general, and other rights found in law.
This is a debate in which panellists argue for and against a particular legal position or situation – e.g. whether or not the laws of Zambia should recognise marital rape. The purpose of Moot Court is to inform the public about the position in law, discuss the pros and cons of such a position, and make the necessary recommendations. Beyond Research will in the new future broadcast these debates on radio.
This programme is a form of insurance that allows the policy holder to access legal advice and services such as drafting of documents and alternative dispute resolution mechanisms at a premium rate. The holder of the policy need only pay a monthly subscription. The scheme is designed to ensure that every Zambian individual who is signed up need not worry about not being able to access legal help, because they will have a lawyer through the Legal Aid Insurance Scheme. The scheme caters for the various social and economic demographics we currently have in Zambia – i.e. high, middle and low income groups. This is necessary as some groups may require legal advice or services that another group may not due to their demographics.
We will soon run this programme together with the Ministry of Justice, Law Association of Zambia, the Legal Aid Board and the University of Zambia. It is meant for those people who cannot afford the Legal Aid Insurance Scheme. This clinic will be based at the University of Zambia.
All the above programmes aim at empowering the local community and officials with vital legal knowledge. In addition, these programmes help clarify some of the problems in Zambia’s justice system. They also contribute to the overall objective of the justice sector, which is “easier access to justice for all, including the poor and vulnerable, women and children” in accordance with Zambia’s Sixth National Development Plan.