THE JUSTICE LITERACY INDICATOR FORM The Justice Literacy Indicator (JLI) Form is found below and has a pronunciation guide and interactive voice files. To listen to the audio, simply click on each word on the form.
How to administer the Justice Literacy Indicator form Examiner's Copy The Justice Literacy Indicator (JLI) is a brief test that estimates a client’s reading ability according to a grade level. It is a word recognition test that is based on the ability to recognize and pronounce words that commonly appear in legal pamphlets and documents.
Directions for Administering the Justice Literacy Indicator (JLI)
Fill in the required demographic information at the top of the test page.
Explain to the client/offender that you would like to conduct a quick reading test with him so that you will have an indication of his/her reading ability. Explain the importance of understanding what will be happening during the criminal justice process and that you would like their participation in a quick test that will help you to help him with the proceedings. Ask the client/offender for permission to conduct the test and let him know that you can share the results and what they mean with him after the test.
Ask the client/offender to read the words in each list out loud, pausing briefly between words.
Mark each correct response with a + sign. Compare the responses of the client/offender with the correct responses printed on your Examiner's Copy of the JLI. Do not show the client/offender the examiner's copy.
Add up the number of correct ( + ) responses. This number is out of 20 possible correct responses. This is the raw score.
Using the chart below, convert the raw score to the corresponding grade level estimate.
Conversion Chart
Raw Score
Grade Level Estimate
19-20
Grade 10 through College
16-18
Grade 7-9
11-15
Grade 4-6
0-10
Grade 0-3
Interpreting the Results
Grade 10 through College: This person can read with ease most of the materials written for client/offenders, although s/he may have some difficulty reading material which uses legal vocabulary and sentence structure. Recommendation: Give the client/offender the material to read and allow sufficient time for his questions. Documents written in legal language may need to be fully explained.
Grades 7-9: This person will have some difficulty reading most of the materials written for client/offenders including reading material which uses legal terminology and sentence structure. Recommendation: Allow the client/offender to read the non legal material and then review the content orally. Ask for questions. Documents written in legal language should be fully explained.
Grades 4-6: This person will have great difficulty reading the materials written for client/offenders. Recommendation: Read the materials to this client/offender and explain the content as you go along. Ask for questions. Do not assume that the client/offender will be able to read any adult level reading materials.
Grades 1-3: This person will not be able to read the materials written for client/offenders. Recommendation: Read the materials to this client/offender and explain the content as you go along. Do not assume that the client/offender will be able to read any printed reading materials.
