UK Ministry of Justice launches digital court reforms

The UK Ministry of Justice and HM Courts & Tribunals Service (HMCTS) have introduced new digital initiatives to modernize the judicial system and address significant case backlogs.

A pilot scheme has been launched to enable judges to hear cases remotely across hundreds of miles, allowing judicial resources to be deployed across geographical boundaries. This initiative, pioneered in London and the North-East, connects judges, defendants, lawyers, staff, and witnesses through digital technology to reduce delays and the need for physical attendance.

Simultaneously, the Digital Audio-Visual Evolution (DAVE) programme is upgrading aging courtroom infrastructure. The programme aims to replace decades-old equipment with modern screens, microphones, speakers, and cameras to support the presentation of digital evidence and facilitate remote participation. To date, approximately 385 courtrooms have been refreshed, with a long-term goal of updating 2,850 courtrooms to improve access to justice, particularly for vulnerable users.