Introduction: The emergence of civil justice as a legal field

This introduction to the Civil Justice Handbook revisits Roscoe Pound's critique of civil justice and explores its continued global relevance. We highlight how chapters illustrate that civil justice systems vary across cultural, political, and legal contexts, yet consistently reveal a gap between the ideals of justice and their delivery. Emphasizing a kaleidoscopic, interdisciplinary approach, the volume brings together diverse perspectives from legal scholars and social scientists. Key themes include access to justice, civil claiming, the role of the state, and the influence of cultural norms. The chapters also illustrate a collective effort to understand and improve civil justice by addressing systemic shortcomings and highlighting both failures and reform opportunities.