A raft of new technologies have been introduced in recent years, and there is more to come.
Judges and Information Technology
In many quarters there is perhaps a perception of judges and the courts using not merely only ink, but even quill pens. However, almost all judges are heavily involved in a programme of modernisation within the courts.
A raft of new technologies have been introduced in recent years, and there is more to come.
Virtually all full time judges who sit in the courts have recently been given laptop computers, and many type up their own judgments. Some judges use their laptops for case management purposes, that is to say overseeing the progress of cases. In addition it is now possible to undertake some formal court transactions online. For example Money Claim Online enables a person to make a claim electronically against someone who owes them money.
This page gives information on two of the latest initiatives being implemented in the courts:
LINK
The LINK project is bringing an Information Technology infrastructure to all the Judiciary and to court staff in the Crown Courts and Combined Crown and Civil Courts.
It aims to provide desktop IT facilities and e-mail facilities within the Criminal Justice System, and much of the Civil Justice system to facilitate better communication between the judiciary and staff with the public, colleagues and other Government Agencies.
XHIBIT
XHIBIT is a computer system being introduced to improve the daily business of Crown Courts in England and Wales by providing quick access to hearing information for those who need it.
XHIBIT enables member of the public such as victims and witnesses, together with professionals such as the police, barristers, solicitors, the probation service and the Crown Prosecution Service to view a hearing’s progress.
Potential benefits of the system include fewer unnecessary case adjournments,
fewer ineffective hearings and an improved experience in court for witnesses.