Digitised Courtrooms
Digital technology to simplify processes in all German courtrooms in the future / Hybrid or fully digital hearings possible
“The judicial administration has been given a tight time frame: Digital working must be possible in all German courtrooms by January 1, 2026. This transformation requires close cooperation between authorities, decision-makers in the judiciary and service providers,” says Jan Christian Hesterberg from Arktis. The IT systems house has digitized 330 courtrooms to date.
Via live stream into the courtroom
In the future, digital technology will simplify processes in all German courtrooms and, for example, make it possible that those involved in the proceedings no longer necessarily have to be physically present. To implement the central provision on video hearings (Section 128a of the Code of Civil Procedure), Arktis uses its own video conferencing technology, which judges can use, for example, to connect litigants to the courtroom via live stream. The presiding judges can thus conduct hybrid or even completely digital hearings if desired. In addition, other applications such as automatic recordings or transcription services will also be possible in the future.
The system is designed in such a way that it can also be integrated in older buildings without major conversion work. When an already installed system needs to be upgraded, usually only individual components are replaced or supplemented. Hesterberg: ” At the moment, for example, we are equipping numerous courtrooms in Lower Saxony with new IP cameras. Unlike their USB predecessors, these do not require any special cabling requirements and are much less susceptible to any disruptions due to transmission errors, for example.”
Reducing the workload of judges
As part of digitization, the special internal judicial and procedural process flows must be taken into account. To this end, Arktis experts are working closely with both the judiciary and lawyers. Above all, data protection, IT security and smooth use during a court hearing are top priorities. And last but not least, the use of courtroom IT must noticeably reduce the workload of judges given the shortage of junior staff, which is also prevalent in the judiciary.
