Informal Domestic Relations Trials

Helping Oregonians try a simpler trial

Vision

The Oregon Judicial Department (OJD) created a new kind of trial: an Informal Domestic Relations Trial (IDRT). Instead of going through a traditional trial, this new option lets you speak directly to the judge about what you think is important in a simpler, more flexible format. But, the information provided by the OJD was difficult to read in content and format.

The goal:

• Create a infographics to explain what Informal Domestic Relations Trials are, and why you might choose one
• Increase accessibility to legal information
• Support citizens in making informed choices for their legal process

Doers

Applied Linguistics students from Portland State University worked under the guidance of Janet Cowal and officials of the Oregon Judicial Department to work on this project.

Process

In 2022, students of Janet Cowal gathered, analyzed, and simplified the language provided by the Oregon Judicial Department intended to inform the public about IDRT.

After many pulling key concepts and organizing the flow of information, they created two helpful infographics. Not stopping there, they conducted a survey to compare the original OJD brochure with the materials they had created, seeking anonymous feedback on clarity, comprehensibility, and overall ease of experience.

The students then wrote about their experience, and crafted a poster describing the steps of their AAL project.

You can check out the poster here