From individual digital projects to an efficient justice system: Where do the federal and state governments stand – and what decisions need to be taken now?

The digitalisation of the justice system is entering a new phase. Electronic case files, online access, shared infrastructure and the first AI applications are no longer just visions of the future in many places. However, progress in individual states and projects has not yet resulted in a fully interoperable, resilient judicial system that offers a tangible improvement in practice.

This shifts the political focus: the emphasis is no longer on the next pilot project, but on how the federal and state governments can coordinate standards, responsibilities, funding and implementation in such a way that digital solutions are rolled out across the board. The opening plenary session takes stock of the political situation to date and sets out the decisions for the next phase of judicial modernisation.

Where does the digital justice system actually stand? How can federal diversity be reconciled with binding common structures? And what course must be set now to ensure that digitalisation speeds up proceedings, reduces the workload on staff and improves access to justice?