Fiji’s Judicial Department has officially launched its transformational new e-filing and electronic case management system from leading Australian technology provider ReadyTech.
The new solution is said to dramatically save time and reduce costs, ensuring Fiji is underpinned by a fair, just and efficient legal system.
Fiji’s Chief Justice Kamal Kumar welcomed the improvement to its current system, which is increasingly facing challenges in supporting the processes and procedures for timely disposal of cases.
“Our previous process of filing document after document before a case can be ready for trial is very time consuming and costly,” he said.
Kumar said his department was fully committed to the value of automating court operations.
“The hallmark of a democratic society is the provision of access to justice to members of the general public,” he said.
“The establishment of an electronic case management system embodies our aspiration to strengthen efficiency and accountability in the judicial system, underpinning both our strategic plan and the government’s Digital and Transformation Program.
“Ready Case will improve the provision of efficient legal services and information, and establish a system for monitoring, analyzing and reporting on case trends to strengthen accountability and transparency in judicial procedures.”
The solution, funded by the EU and implemented by UNDP, is also expected to contribute to the Government’s carbon emission reduction plans, by removing previously required paper trails and travel and enabling real-time online interactions.
Digitization in Fiji is addressed in the five-year and 20-year National Development Plan focussing on improving Fiji’s digital connectivity – seen as essential to transforming Fiji by supporting human capital development, commerce and trade.
ReadyTech’s CEO, Marc Washbourne, said he was excited about the possibilities the Ready Case solution would enable for Fiji’s justice system.
“Our open justice, highly configurable and extendable platform will make a real difference to the lives of many, by improving access to justice in Fiji through an out of the box solution to meet unique needs, while realizing the benefits achieved through a product and sector wide approach,” Washbourne said.
“We’re honored to have played a part in this transformational project for Fiji and its constituents and look forward to continuing our strong partnership with the Judicial Department.”
ReadyTech’s Ready Case solution is purpose built for the Commonwealth justice sector and is used by a number of leading justice departments globally, including The Australian Federal Commonwealth Department of Public Prosecutions and His Majesty’s Courts and Tribunals Service (HMCTS), the executive agency of the Ministry of Justice in England and Wales.
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