Empowering Change Through Community and Data
welcome to the legal systems and policy lab
The Legal Systems and Policy Lab (LSAP) is dedicated to creating impactful research that fosters transparency and innovation in the justice system. Through comprehensive data analysis, transdisciplinary research, and community-driven initiatives, LSAP aims to develop tools for better lawmaking and policy development, ensuring equitable outcomes for all communities.
Projects
fines, fees, and penalties project
Thousands of laws are changed yearly without lawmakers accessing critical data and insights. This lack of context can lead to unforeseen consequences impacting communities and industries.
Students are collaborating to change that. With seed funding to develop the InsightLegi tool, our project has tracked thousands of legal statutes so legislators, researchers, and advocates are better informed. By building the largest archival database of fines, fees, surcharges, and other penalties powered by AI search functionality, we are bringing transparency to the infrastructure of justice funding.
The recent Supreme Court decision on the Chevron case highlights the need for rigorous, real-time data and analysis so lawmakers can make informed decisions. With the Chevron case, courts will no longer automatically defer to federal agency interpretations of ambiguous laws, making our tool even more crucial for data-informed legislative action.
How It Works
InsightLegi tracks fines, fees, surcharges, and other penalties nationwide. We show you how these have changed and where the money goes. This makes it easier to understand the effects of laws and how they can be improved. We’re in the prototype stage with seed funding to build an AI-enabled searchable database. Our goal? To empower you with legislative insights at your fingertips.
Want to Get Involved?
This project is about building community and educating everyone on our legislative system. If you’re interested in learning more, please reach out. Whether you’re a student, researcher, lawmaker, or everyday citizen, there are ways you can get involved.
Data Contributor: We’re looking for volunteers in the Washington, DC, area interested in cleaning and tidying data during one of our many datathons!
Legislative Tracker: Have some legislation you’re especially interested in? Please send us a tip! In our first phase, we’re focused on monetary sanctions and fees. Is there a bill in your state you’re especially curious about? Reach out so that we can do some analysis.
Student in Need of Hours or Capstone? If you’re a student looking for support with a capstone project, proficient in R or STATA, and would like some hands-on work, please reach out!