Three Pillars on Three Levels
To effectively dissect the multi-faceted nature of digital justice, the EGDJ operates under a structured “3 pillars x 3 levels” organisational matrix. This comprehensive approach ensures that every technological advancement is evaluated through its practical impact and its legal scope.
The Three Pillars
End-Users
This pillar focuses entirely on the experience of the citizens interacting with the law – specifically plaintiffs, defendants, and respondents. Research here tackles how digital tools can enhance or hinder access to justice, examining European electronic filing systems, digital portals, and user-friendly interfaces that democratise legal processes.
Judiciary and Administrations
This pillar investigates how courts and administrative bodies can integrate emerging technologies to modernise their daily operations. The focus is on implementing tools like AI-driven legal analytics, automated case management systems, secure digital evidence vaults, and advanced video-conferencing for remote hearings to streamline judicial workflows.
Systematic Approaches
Moving beyond mere automation, this pillar investigates the macro-level transformations altering traditional legal frameworks. It explores the rise of new judicial structures, the evolution of Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR), and the institutionalisation of Online Dispute Resolution (ODR), prioritizing long-term procedural efficiency.
The Three Levels
Intradisciplinary Analysis
Our research is anchored deep within specific legal fields, analysing how digital tools disrupt and enhance private international law, civil procedure, criminal procedure, and administrative procedure individually, but – more importantly – how these areas can inform another.
Comparative Law
The network leverages comparative law as a vital methodology rather than an end goal. By comparing different domestic responses to technology, the group identifies best practices and avoids reinventing the wheel.
European Union Level
This level treats EU law as a unique, autonomous development. It evaluates how EU digital initiatives act as catalysts for integration, creating a unified European judicial area.