Automation and the Court System
Automation means using technology to perform tasks that were once done by people. In the court system, automation can help manage daily work, reduce delays, and make legal services easier for everyone to access.10The COVID-19 pandemic made courts around the world look for quick solutions to continue working. Many courts started using online platforms like Zoom and Microsoft Teams to hold virtual hearings. This meant that people could attend court from their homes during lockdowns. It helped keep the justice system running, even when people could not meet face-to-face.
In Sri Lanka, the courts also began using video conferencing for some hearings. The Judicial Service Commission and the Ministry of Justice took steps to introduce e-filing systems, which allow lawyers to submit legal documents online. They also began to digitize court records, meaning that paper files are now being scanned and stored on computers. This helps save time and makes information easier to find.Automation helps courts manage their work better. With many cases to handle, courts often face delays. Technology helps reduce these delays by doing simple tasks faster. For example, automatic case tracking systems can schedule hearings, send reminders, and organize case files. This means judges and staff can focus more on important matters.
Automation can also make the legal system easier for ordinary people. Many people feel nervous or confused about going to court. But with tools like chatbots, they can get step-by-step help. A chatbot is a computer program that answers questions and gives guidance. It can help someone fill out forms or understand the next steps in their case. These tools should be simple to use, available in multiple languages, and also work for people with disabilities.
However, a fully automated court system needs the right support. This includes investment in new technology, training for judges and court staff, and education for the public so that everyone knows how to use the system. Cybersecurity is also very important. Courts store sensitive legal information, and if this data is not protected, it can be misused or stolen. Strong systems must be in place to keep all legal data safe and private.In summary, automation brings many benefits to the court system. It saves time, makes processes faster, and helps people understand the law more easily. But we must also make sure it is safe, fair, and available to all. With good planning and care, automation can make justice better for everyone.
Improving Access to Justice
One good thing about using technology in the legal system is that it helps more people get justice. In many places, especially in villages or far-away areas, people cannot easily go to court or meet a lawyer. They may have to travel far or spend a lot of money. But now, with phones and computers, people can join court hearings or talk to lawyers from home. One example is Online Dispute Resolution (ODR), which helps people solve small problems like money or customer complaints online. This saves time, money, and helps settle issues peacefully.
In Sri Lanka, many people still find it hard to get justice. Court cases take a long time, there is not enough free legal help, and the process is hard to understand. Because of this, many people give up. But technology can help change that. Mobile apps can help people ask legal questions and learn about their rights. They can talk to lawyers through video calls. Online websites can help apply for legal aid or report problems. These small tools help people feel closer to the legal system.
However, there is a problem called digital exclusion. Some people do not have smartphones, computers, or good internet. Older people or those who cannot read well may also find it hard to use digital tools. To fix this, the government and courts must help. They should improve internet in rural areas and teach people how to use these tools. Legal help should be shared in Sinhala, Tamil, and English. Also, apps and websites should be easy to use – even for people with disabilities. In the end, technology can make justice better, but only if it is fair and open to everyone.
Challenges and Ethical Concerns
Using technology in the legal system helps more people get justice. In many villages and far-away areas, people cannot easily go to court or meet a lawyer because it costs too much or takes a long time. But now, with phones and computers, people can attend court or talk to lawyers from home. One example is Online Dispute Resolution (ODR), which lets people solve small problems like money or customer complaints online. It saves time and money and helps people solve issues peacefully. In Sri Lanka, many people still face problems like long court delays and not enough free legal help. Technology can help fix this.
Mobile apps can teach people about their rights, and video calls let them talk to lawyers without travelling. Websites also help people apply for legal aid or send complaints. But there is a big problem called digital exclusion. Some people don’t have a smartphone, computer, or good internet. Older people or those who cannot read well may find it hard to use these tools. If we don’t fix this, they will be left out. To help, the government and courts must improve internet in village areas and teach people how to use these tools. Legal information must be shared in Sinhala, Tamil, and English. Apps and websites should be easy for everyone, including people with disabilities. In the end, technology can make justice faster and easier, but it must be fair and include all people.
Conclusion
Technology is changing the legal system in many countries. Tools like Artificial Intelligence (AI), automation, and online platforms are helping courts, lawyers, and people in new ways. Courts can now hold hearings on video calls, lawyers can do legal research faster, and people can get legal help from their homes. This system is called tech-driven justice. It is already working well in places like Estonia, the United Kingdom, and India. In Sri Lanka, some digital tools were used during the COVID-19 lockdown. Video conferencing and online filing made it possible to continue urgent cases, and this was a big step forward. However, more progress is needed to make technology a normal part of our justice system.
There are many benefits to using technology in law. It helps save time and money. It also helps people in rural or faraway areas who cannot easily go to court or find a lawyer. Small law firms can also use AI tools to do their work faster. But there are also some problems. Not everyone has access to smartphones, computers, or the internet. Some people may not know how to use digital tools. If AI tools are not checked properly, they could be unfair. Also, personal data must be protected.
To solve these problems, we need some clear steps. First, the government should improve internet access in rural areas. Second, training programs should be given in Sinhala, Tamil, and English so that everyone can learn how to use digital legal services. Third, new laws are needed to protect people’s private information and stop misuse of technology. Fourth, judges and courts must always keep human decisions as the most important part. Finally, people should know more about legal apps, free legal help through video calls, and online complaint systems. If we use technology in the right way, we can build a fair and easy legal system for everyone.
Written By: –
Fathima Ruza
Faculty of Law,
University of Colombo
Design By: –
Rtr. Kawindra Wickramasinghe
(Junior Blog Team Member 2025-26)
