MyBlog - 12DCP-052

Role of Internet in the Judicial System

Many judges and court administrators can recall a time when the courts
operated without modern technology. But since the first computerized
case management systems were tested decades ago, technology has
revolutionized the work of the courts and has become an essential tool
of the judiciary in meeting its obligation to serve the public as
efficiently and effectively as possible.

As people around the world have embraced the Internet and other
advanced technologies into the fabric of their personal and
professional lives, the demand on government organizations for
technologybasedserviceshasincreased.
Thepublicexpectsnolessofthecourts.Today,thejudicial branch is expected
to use modern technology to increase convenience, reduce costs, and
improve access to justice.

Technology has also changed the scope of the judiciary's
responsibility to preserve the American tradition of open courts. Now,
thanks to the World Wide Web, courts have the opportunity to enhance
the public's ability to meaningfully observe and participate in the
judicial process. In this modern age, citizens have the option of
going to the courthouse to access court records or documents, or
visiting a virtual courthouse where information is available at the
click of a mouse. Parties can participate in virtual hearings and
meetings, retrieve court records, track the progress of their cases,
complete and file complaints and other court documents online, obtain
legal information if they are unrepresented, and pay fees and fines
via credit card - all without having to leave their homes or
businesses.

This electronic access revolution presents important challenges for
the state court community. Courts must determine which electronic
access projects to undertake, how to balance public access with rights
of personal privacy and how best to pay for electronic access
technologies. To meet these challenges and ensure public confidence in
the judicial system, judges and court administrators must develop
effective governance policies that address the issues, advantages and
difficulties presented by integrating electronic access technology
into the court environment. Although technologists provide the
expertise for implementing electronic access to the courts, judges and
court administrators are the ones who formulate policy and determine
which best practices should be followed in any electronic access
implementation plan.

Core Principles :

Court information and services should be open, accessible and
convenient through the use of electronic access technology

Electronic access should be free or inexpensive

E-Services :

Electronic Filing
Electronic commerce
Electronic appearances
E-Trial" (the "Electronic Courtroom")
E-Courthouse

Karthik Penmetsa
12DCP-052