New Steps of Digitalisation of Civil Justice in Ukraine

Abstract

Background: The emergence of virtual space and digital technologies is a natural consequence of the scientific and technical progress of humankind. Currently, digital technologies are actively used in the field of law, particularly within the judiciary. Therefore, the development of e-courts is a response to modern challenges. This paper is devoted to the issue of the evolution of digitalisation in civil justice; specifically, it examines the development and regulatory regulation of the use of electronic courts (e-courts) in civil proceedings. It elucidates the peculiarities and difficulties of using the electronic court to combat bureaucracy in civil proceedings. Furthermore, the paper explores the key elements of e-justice and assesses the possibility of implementing electronic lawsuits in Ukraine's courts. It also delineates the peculiarities of employing electronic means of proof in civil proceedings. Moreover, the paper clarifies the possibility of conducting court hearings online using platforms such as Meet and Zoom, drawing insights from the practices of other countries. Additionally, it compares the American Pacer system with the Ukrainian analogue, the “Electronic Court”, as one of the ways to access case materials via the Internet. Lastly, the paper outlines the practice of the Supreme Court regarding the use of electronic subpoenas and the advantages of the electronic form. Methods: An analysis of judicial practice and positions of the Supreme Court regarding individual elements of e-justice and the legality of their application was carried out. Also, special attention was paid to the practice of other countries regarding their use of electronic courts and the possibility of similar proceedings in Ukraine. Results and Conclusions: Based on the analysis, the authors concluded regarding the further improvement of the electronic court system in civil proceedings. Conclusions highlighted the advantages of digitalisation in the civil justice system.