Communication is one of the fundamental pillars of human coexistence and development. Through it, people transmit information, share ideas, and build common meanings that enrich interpersonal and social relationships. However, it is not enough to simply communicate: it must be done effectively, that is, in a clear, precise, and understandable way. Poor communication can generate misunderstandings that lead to personal, professional, and work-related conflicts. In the legal field, where words, arguments, and the interpretation of norms carry decisive weight, effective communication takes on essential relevance. Justice, conceived as a public service, is often perceived by citizens as obscure, complex, and inaccessible. This lack of clarity in the transmission of information contributes to public mistrust of the judiciary and to the misunderstanding of its decisions.
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Effective Communication in the Legal Field
Justice and the Communication Deficit
The judicial system faces a challenge: to reach citizens through accessible and transparent language. The lack of effective communication between the different legal operators—judges, lawyers, prosecutors, court clerks—and between them and society in general, generates a distance that feeds the idea of Law as a territory reserved for specialists. This not only limits real access to justice, but also causes many people to misinterpret judicial processes and rulings. In this sense, legal communication should be directed not only toward technical precision, but also toward comprehensibility and pedagogy.
The Principle of Publicity in Justice
One of the most important democratic guarantees is the principle of publicity in Justice, which requires judicial proceedings to be public except in exceptional cases. This principle pursues two objectives: to subject the functioning of the judiciary to public scrutiny, and to reinforce citizens’ confidence in the courts. However, for the publicity of Justice to fulfill its purpose, it is not enough to open the doors of trials: citizens must also understand what happens in them. Here, effective communication plays a central role.
Considerations on Communication in the Legal Field
At present, most legal activities require teamwork, and it is practically impossible to carry out a legal process in isolation. Citizens, as users of the system, must be considered part of the team, so that their experience and perspective are taken into account in decision-making, recognizing their autonomy. Effective communication is the basis for coordination among legal professionals and also serves as the bridge of understanding with users. A clear flow of communication increases efficiency, shortens the length of processes, and strengthens trust in institutions. On the other hand, failures in communication generate frustration, extend procedures, increase costs, and harm the relationship between professionals and users. Furthermore, the way the media conveys judicial information significantly influences society’s perception of the system and its operators.
Challenges and Proposals
Among the main challenges is the need to promote the use of clear and comprehensible language for all, avoiding unnecessary technical jargon that distances the public. It is also essential for legal professionals to receive training in communication skills so they can convey their arguments more precisely and accessibly. Institutional transparency is another key factor, since the judiciary must strengthen its public communication channels, improve its relationship with the media, and incorporate digital platforms to bring information closer to citizens. Finally, legal education for the public should be encouraged through training programs that allow people to better understand their rights, duties, and the functioning of the judicial system.
Conclusion
Effective communication in the legal field is not a mere complement but a structural necessity that impacts the legitimacy and efficiency of the judicial system. Achieving clear language, fostering citizen participation, and ensuring transparency will contribute to Justice being perceived as a reliable, understandable, and truly accessible public service.
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