Will E-Justice still be Justice? Principles of a Fair Electronic Trial

Abstract

In the years to come, our Judiciary will change drastically as a result of the possibilities of information technology. Current legal procedure, which is still dominated by paper documents, human activities and written communication, will become increasingly digitized or supported by technical applications. As a result, the administration of justice will become faster, more efficient and more effective. As electronic litigation or E-Justice becomes a reality, there will be many changes. Citizens, companies, lawyers and other legal professionals involved in the judicial process will be able to bring their cases to the court via an Internet portal. Video conferencing, which is already available, will increasingly make it possible to hear witnesses, suspects and legal experts without having to bring them to the courtroom. Courts rulings will be signed, sent and published through the use of electronic signatures, XML and web services.