IT support of the judiciary in Europe

Although the judiciary is not a trendsetter in the field of automation, working with computers is daily business for judges and prosecutors. The aim of this study is to open the discussion on how the judiciary can best be supported by IT. This report surveys in what way IT is used in the judiciary in Europe. Various contributions provide an overview of the current state of judicial IT support in Italy, France, the United Kingdom, Belgium, the Netherlands and Norway. The papers written by delegates from these countries are finalized versions of those presented at the conference IT support of the judicial process of May 2000. A summary of the findings of the conference is also included. There are both similarities and differences in the level of IT support, in court organization and management between countries. Court systems have been organized in a different way due to cultural aspects. Also, various models are used with regard to the separation of judicial magistrates and public prosecution, as well as the 'independence' of judges. These and other factors have an impact on the introduction of IT in support of the judiciary. The independence of judges makes it hard to enforce the use of IT applications in that area. Public prosecution is subordinate so there, at least theoretically, the use of IT could be enforced.