The Pacific Islands Chief Justices and Judges today discussed the use of technology to enhance and improve quality of its Judicial Services.
The Chief Justice of Guam Supreme Court, Robert Torres, spoke highly about the use of social media in disseminating real time information to Court users.
While Chief Justice, Sir Salamo Injia, introduced to the participants a new concept in Papua New Guinea’s Court, called the Case Docketing System.
The Case Docketing System is a new database system that was introduced by the Chief Justice.
Court proceedings, cases and daily listings are recorded and data is accessible by Judges including its staff and the public.
Before the introduction of this technology, Judges in PNG did not have access to resources like the Pacific Islands Legal Information Institute or PACLI and other legal resources.
The use of technology has improved the quality of Justice and the delivery of judicial services in PNG.
Prior to the introduction of technology, Judges in PNG would write word for word every proceeding down.
The court secretaries would then type the Judges notes, which is described as a slow process that prolongs the Courts.
Today, case files and court resources are available and can be accessible online.
The Chief Justice of Guam Supreme Court, Robert Torres, has supported Sir Salamo’s presentation, but spoke about the role of Social Media in disseminating Court information.
Chief Justice Robert encouraged Judges to have access to Social Media, especially Facebook, but he also warned them of its implications.
He said a good use of social media is to provide updates of rulings.
Some Jurisdictions in Australia and United States have accepted Judges to be on Social Media.
