DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION OF COURT PROCEEDINGS: FROM PAPER-BASED TO FULLY ELECTRONIC CASE MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS - A LONGITUDINAL STUDY
Keywords:
electronic case management, digital courts, judicial efficiency, e-justice, digital transformation, court modernizationAbstract
This research examines the digital transformation of judicial systems through the implementation of electronic case management systems (ECMS) over the past decade. The study employs a longitudinal approach to analyze the transition from paper-based to fully electronic court proceedings across multiple jurisdictions, with particular focus on implementation challenges, benefits realization, and impact on judicial efficiency and transparency. Data collected from court systems in multiple countries reveals that ECMS implementation typically follows a three-phase progression: digital document management, workflow automation, and full system integration. Results demonstrate significant improvements in case processing times, document security, and public accessibility to court services, while highlighting persistent challenges related to technological infrastructure, user adoption, and digital divide concerns (Rooze, 2010; United Nations Development Programme [UNDP], 2022). The findings provide valuable insights for court administrators and policymakers seeking to modernize judicial systems, suggesting that successful digital transformation requires not only technological solutions but also organizational change management, standardized implementation frameworks, and ongoing stakeholder engagement.
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