Justice Definitions Edit-a-thon (Law School Edition)
The Justice Definitions Edit-a-thon (law school edition) is a hybrid, time-bound, legal research writing exercise conducted by Judicial Data Collaborative in collaboration with law colleges in India. Here, law students work on a legal term within a thematic area chosen by designated faculty coordinators. Students learn how to navigate and curate legal research content on the Justice Definitions Wiki platform, showcasing their contributions publicly.
Program Purpose and Objectives
The primary goal of the Edit-a-thon is to enrich the Justice Definitions Wiki by ensuring definitions are robust, well-sourced, and accessible. Objectives include:
- Content Improvement: Upgrading existing definitions for clarity, depth, and neutrality.
- Expansion: Adding new, relevant definitions on emerging topics or underrepresented areas of justice.
- Standardization: Ensuring all contributions adhere to the wiki’s established formatting and citation standards.
- Ensure Neutrality: Ensure definitions are unbiased, well-sourced, and represent diverse viewpoints where appropriate.
- Enhance Quality: Improve the overall quality of content on the Justice Definitions Wiki.
Opportunities for Participants
- Practical Research & Writing Skills: Contribute to a platform hosting practically useful repository of legal entries that can be accessed for further research, practice, and awareness by all.
- Guidance from Subject Matter Experts: Work with experts in the field of law and public policy for one-on-one guidance in research and writing of legal concepts.
- Recognition for Contribution: Get certification and Wiki platform recognition for contribution to the Justice Definitions Wiki.
- Peer-learning & Collaboration: Engage in collaborative research writing via this team-based activity.
Event Structure
The Edit-a-thon is structured around specific themes or needs identified by the community and wiki administrators.
A. Event Format
The Edit-a-thon is typically held over a designated period (e.g., a week to 2 weeks or a single day). While participants can work remotely, the event is facilitated through a dedicated wiki page and a collaboration forum (like a WhatsApp channel) for real-time interaction and support.
B. Structure of the Edit-a-thon
The program is structured to guide participants through the process of contributing effectively to the wiki.
Phase 1: Preparation and Orientation (Pre-Event)
- Registration and Onboarding: Participants sign up via the event page.
- Welcome Kit: Access to style guides, editing tutorials, and a curated list of priority topics.
- Live Orientation Session: A briefing on the wiki's mission, curation guidelines, technical editing tools, and Q&A. This is typically held on the college campus.
Phase 2: The Editing Period (Main Event)
- Duration: 1-2 weeks or a single day event
- Activity: Participants actively research, draft, edit, and cite definitions.
- Collaboration: Dedicated channels for participants to discuss concepts and seek peer review.
- Facilitator Support: Wiki administrators and subject matter experts will be available for technical and content support.
Phase 3: Review and Recognition (Post-Event)
- Content Review: Wiki administrators and editors review contributions against the criteria.
- Recognition: Acknowledgment of significant contributions and high-quality work.
How It Works
- Preparation: A curated list of definitions needing improvement or high-priority topics for new definitions is provided before the event.
- Collaboration and Mentorship: Experienced wiki editors and subject matter experts are available throughout the event to guide participants, answer questions, and assist with complex edits.
- Contribution: Participants select definitions from the list or propose new ones, working individually or in small groups.
- Review: Contributions are reviewed by experienced editors to ensure they meet quality standards before being finalized on the wiki.
Typical Focus Areas
While themes may vary, Edit-a-thons often concentrate on critical areas, such as:
- Criminal Justice Reform: Definitions related to sentencing, policing, and rehabilitation.
- Human Rights Law: Concepts surrounding fundamental rights, international treaties, and humanitarian law.
- Restorative Justice: Definitions of practices, principles, and outcomes in non-punitive justice.
Participation Criteria and Guidelines
Participation is open to anyone interested in contributing, but all contributions must adhere to the core principles of the Justice Definitions Wiki. Participants are encouraged to adhere to the following criteria to ensure high-quality, sustainable contributions.
A. Content Guidelines
All contributions must adhere to the core principles of the Justice Definitions Wiki:
- NPOV (Neutral Point of View): Definitions must be presented neutrally, objectively summarizing the concept without advocating for a specific political, legal, or moral stance.
- Verifiability: All factual claims and definitions must be supported by reliable, publicly verifiable sources.
- No Original Research: Contributions must synthesize existing knowledge and definitions; they should not introduce new theories or concepts.
- Relevance to Justice: All definitions must relate directly to the field of justice (e.g., restorative justice, criminal justice, social justice, definitions of fairness, equity, etc.).
- Clarity and Accuracy: Definitions should be written in clear, concise language suitable for a broad audience while maintaining factual accuracy.
B. Eligible Contributions
Participants can contribute in the following ways:
- Creating New Definitions: Adding a new page for a term or concept not yet defined on the wiki.
- Expanding Existing Definitions: Adding significant, relevant information, context, or examples to an existing definition.
- Improving Sourcing: Adding high-quality citations to existing definitions that lack them.
- Refining Clarity and Style: Editing existing definitions for improved readability and adherence to the wiki's style guide.
C. Technical and Formatting
- Style Guide Adherence: All contributions should follow the wiki’s specific formatting and style guidelines (e.g., bolding the term in the first sentence, standardized citation format).
- Categories and Tags: Pages should be appropriately categorized for easy navigation.
D. Contribution Expectations
- Participants are encouraged to focus on quality over quantity.
- All edits should be clearly documented in the edit summary on the wiki.
- Participants should engage respectfully with fellow editors and mentors.
Key Resources and Support
- Content structure to be followed: Sample term - Justice Definitions Project
- Justice Definitions Wiki Editing and Style Guide
- Priority Topic List: A list of justice concepts identified as needing attention or new definitions.
- Support Channel: WhatsApp group link will be made available to the participants for each edit-a-thon event.
How to Join
- Register: Upon opening of registration, Google form link will be updated on this page.
- Review the Style Guide: Familiarize yourself with the wiki’s standards.
- Choose a Topic: Select a term from the Priority Topic List or suggest a new relevant concept.
- Start Editing: Contribute high-quality, well-sourced definitions during the edit-a-thon period.
Join the Edit-a-thon and help us build a comprehensive, reliable resource for understanding justice definitions.
