Court work in transition : An activity-theoretical study of changing work practices in a finnish district court

Abstract

An Activity-Theoretical Study of Changing WorkPractices in a Finnish District CourtCourts have been regarded as unwavering organizations, resistant to improvements and change.This study focuses on the development of court practices in Finnish district courts around the implementation of the procedural reform in civil matters enforced in 1993.The book offers an alternative view on implementation as a learning process and examines how the reformed procedures are actualised in everyday proceedings by judges, lawyers and court clients.The findings of the micro-analyses of courtroom interaction suggest that although small and gradual, the changes in courtroom incorporate a potential for deep-seated transformation.Combining the view of "law in action" with a theoretical understanding of the development of court work, this book offers insightful perspectives for anybody interested in court reforms, courtroom interaction, implementation of law or change and learning at work.