Savings As Courts Go Online

Illawarra Mercury

Monday February 4, 2008

By COURTNEY TRENWITH

WOLLONGONG District Court matters will be conducted live over the internet from next week, eliminating the need to attend court.

A $48 million computer program, JusticeLink, will be introduced to district courts across the state from February 11.

The world-first system means simple procedural matters will be dealt with online, saving time and money.

Hearings and trials will still be held in court.

Using the program, prosecutors and defence lawyers will be able to log onto a bulletin board and type their arguments.

An email alert will be sent to the judge, who will make determinations in real time.

Law firms will also be able to "e-file" motions and evidence, allowing the parties to access information from their desks.

Nine law firms are already using e-filing and have uploaded 11,500 documents.

NSW Attorney-General John Hatzistergos said police, the Department of Public Prosecutions and the Corrective Services Department also would be able to conduct bail proceedings online.

"While the time-honoured traditions of our legal system will remain intact, JusticeLink will streamline the process, saving millions of dollars in costs and countless hours spent in the courtroom," Mr Hatzistergos said.

JusticeLink has already been successfully trialled in the NSW Supreme Court, saving more than 160 court appearances.

It is expected to be rolled out to all NSW courts by 2009.

© 2008 Illawarra Mercury

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