Terms of Service

1. Acceptance of Terms

By accessing and using the Institute for Advancement of Justice & Human Rights ("IAJ," "we," "us," or "our") website and services, you ("User," "you," or "your") agree to be bound by these Terms of Service ("Terms"). If you do not agree to these Terms, please do not use our services.

These Terms constitute a legally binding agreement between you and the IAJ. We reserve the right to modify these Terms at any time, and such modifications will be effective immediately upon posting. Your continued use of our services after any modifications constitutes acceptance of the revised Terms.

2. About Our Services

The IAJ operates as an independent human rights investigative body providing:

• Tribunal Services: Model rulings on court accommodation requests based on international human rights standards
• Investigations: Systematic investigations into judicial violations and human rights non-compliance
• Research & Analysis: Evidence-based research on judicial accessibility and human rights
• Standards Development: Development of human rights compliance frameworks
• Evidence Database: Secure repository of documented violations and accommodation cases
• Training & Resources: Educational materials and programs for legal professionals

3. Service Delivery and Limitations

3.1 Best Effort Basis

All services provided by the IAJ are delivered on a best effort basis. While we are committed to providing high-quality, model rulings and investigations, we cannot guarantee specific outcomes, timelines, or results. Our determinations are based on available evidence, applicable human rights standards, and expert analysis.

3.2 Case Prioritization

Due to resource constraints and the volume of requests, the IAJ reserves the right to prioritize cases based on:

• Severity and urgency of human rights violations
• Potential for systemic impact and precedent-setting value
• Availability of sufficient evidence and documentation
• Alignment with our mission and expertise
• Resource availability and capacity

Not all submitted cases may be accepted for full investigation or tribunal review.

3.3 Resource Limitations

Our services are subject to available resources, including but not limited to:

• Volunteer expert availability
• Financial and operational capacity
• Technical infrastructure limitations
• Time constraints of our expert panels

We may need to limit, delay, or decline services based on these constraints.

4. User Responsibilities and Conduct

4.1 Account Registration

To access certain services, you must create an account and provide accurate, complete information. You are responsible for maintaining the confidentiality of your account credentials and for all activities under your account.

4.2 Truthful Information

You agree to provide truthful, accurate, and complete information in all submissions, including:

• Accommodation requests and supporting documentation
• Complaint submissions and evidence
• Communications with our team
• Volunteer applications and qualifications

Providing false or misleading information may result in immediate termination of services.

4.3 Prohibited Uses

You agree not to:

• Submit frivolous, vexatious, or bad faith complaints
• Attempt to overwhelm our systems with excessive requests
• Use our services for any unlawful purpose
• Interfere with the operation of our website or services
• Attempt to gain unauthorized access to our systems
• Harass, threaten, or abuse our staff or volunteers

5. Intellectual Property and Content

5.1 Our Content

All content on our website, including but not limited to text, graphics, logos, research reports, standards, and tribunal rulings, is the property of the IAJ or our licensors and is protected by copyright and other intellectual property laws.

5.2 User-Submitted Content

By submitting content to our services (including documents, communications, and evidence), you grant the IAJ a non-exclusive, royalty-free license to use, reproduce, and analyze such content for the purposes of providing our services, conducting research, and advancing human rights.

5.3 Research and Publication

The IAJ may use anonymized and aggregated data from cases for research, publication, and educational purposes, in accordance with our Privacy Policy and applicable confidentiality requirements.

6. Confidentiality and Security

6.1 Confidential Information

We understand the sensitive nature of human rights violations and accommodation requests. We maintain strict confidentiality protocols and will not disclose personally identifiable information without your consent, except as required by law or as necessary to provide our services.

6.2 Security Measures

We implement reasonable security measures to protect your information, but cannot guarantee absolute security. You acknowledge that internet transmissions are never completely secure.

7. Disclaimers and Limitations of Liability

7.1 No Legal Advice

IMPORTANT: The IAJ does not provide legal advice. Our tribunal rulings and recommendations are based on human rights standards and expert analysis, but do not constitute legal counsel. You should consult with qualified legal professionals for legal advice specific to your situation.

7.2 No Guarantee of Outcomes

We make no warranties or guarantees regarding:

• The outcome of tribunal rulings or investigations
• The enforcement of our recommendations by courts or other entities
• The resolution of your specific situation
• The availability or continuity of our services

7.3 Limitation of Liability

TO THE MAXIMUM EXTENT PERMITTED BY LAW, THE IAJ SHALL NOT BE LIABLE FOR ANY INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL, SPECIAL, CONSEQUENTIAL, OR PUNITIVE DAMAGES, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO LOSS OF PROFITS, DATA, OR USE, ARISING OUT OF OR RELATING TO YOUR USE OF OUR SERVICES.

8. Independent Status

The IAJ operates as an independent human rights investigative body. We are not affiliated with any government, court system, or legal authority. Our rulings and recommendations are based on international human rights standards and expert analysis, but are not legally binding court orders.

While we work to promote compliance with human rights standards, we cannot compel courts or other entities to implement our recommendations.

9. Volunteer Services

Many of our services are provided by qualified volunteers who donate their time and expertise to advance human rights. While we maintain high standards for volunteer qualifications and conduct, you acknowledge that volunteer availability may affect service delivery timelines.

10. Termination

We reserve the right to terminate or suspend your access to our services at any time, with or without notice, for any reason, including but not limited to violation of these Terms, misuse of our services, or resource constraints.

You may terminate your account at any time by contacting us. Upon termination, your right to use our services will cease immediately.

11. International Users

Our services are available internationally, but our primary focus is on human rights standards as they apply to judicial systems. Users outside the United States acknowledge that our expertise and standards may be most applicable to U.S. legal contexts.

12. Governing Law and Dispute Resolution

These Terms shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the United States and applicable international human rights law. Any disputes arising under these Terms shall be resolved through good faith negotiation, and if necessary, through appropriate dispute resolution mechanisms consistent with human rights principles.

13. Contact Information

If you have questions about these Terms of Service, please contact us:

• Email: [email protected]
• Phone: (408) 898-4470
• Address: Institute for Advancement of Justice & Human Rights

14. Severability

If any provision of these Terms is found to be unenforceable or invalid, the remaining provisions will remain in full force and effect. The unenforceable provision will be replaced with an enforceable provision that most closely reflects the original intent.

15. Entire Agreement

These Terms, together with our Privacy Policy, constitute the entire agreement between you and the IAJ regarding your use of our services and supersede all prior agreements and understandings.