- A lack of resources dedicated to the justice sector as a whole can present a significant barrier to change. The courts often are understaffed, overworked, and under-resourced. Qualified judges, prosecutors, or staff may be lacking. Staff may be vulnerable to corruption.
- Resources are often lacking on the most basic level- not enough copies of the law, computers, copy and fax machines, etc.
- Infrastructure may be lacking or may be in poor condition. Basic structural needs such as secure waiting rooms, interview rooms, and holding facilities may be lacking.
- Communication and coordination between ministries and local level judicial systems is poor.
- There is often a large backlog of cases which impedes reform efforts, in addition to delaying justice.
- Lack of fiscal resources within a country to hire additional staff required to implement change.
- Lack of appropriately-trained professional staff to implement change.
- Competition between ministries for scare programme resources.