Electronic Court Records Management Systems: A Review of Literature in Selected African Countries

Abstract

Court records are a vital source of information for the judicial system. They are mainly used by legal researchers, legal practitioners and policymakers for decision-making. The invention of modern technology systems has seen courts around the world adopting electronic systems to manage these records. Consequently, records management has gained prominence since a systematic, efficient and organised records management system is crucial in guaranteeing unbiased decisions through trusted records by the courts. The computerisation of court records has its own challenges that may be peculiar to the justice system in any country. The creation, management and preservation of digital records have an impact on policies, standards, copyright, metadata and other technical issues. Velicogna has noted that even though the use of technologies reduces delays, improves economy, efficiency and effectiveness and promotes confidence in the justice system, due process, impartiality and independence should also be carefully taken into account given the nature and importance of the judiciary. This is especially so when structural and procedural changes, such as the ones driven by the introduction of new technologies, take place. Through a review of literature, this paper seeks to examine the implementation of electronic court records management systems in selected African countries with a view to ascertaining whether the intended objectives for their deployment have been achieved. Generally, this study found that justice systems in the selected countries implemented computerised court records systems and derived some benefits as anticipated. However, the implemented systems were confronted with some challenges that can be resolved in due course to ultimately facilitate the systems to enhance delivery of justice.