Programme

The digital modernisation of the judiciary remains a key task. It is now crucial to consistently align the pace, management and implementation of this process. At the opening of the conference, the focus will be on how the federal and state governments can jointly drive this development forward — and how digital solutions are being effectively integrated into judicial practice.

The nationwide Justice Cloud is creating the digital infrastructure of the future for specialised proceedings, registers and judicial services. The forum will discuss the technical, organisational and strategic decisions that need to be taken now to ensure that this results in an efficient and independent digital justice system.

Digital evidence is a key component of modern law enforcement. As the importance of electronic evidence grows, so too do the requirements regarding its availability, integrity, cross-border access and due process. What demands does e-evidence place on the judiciary and law enforcement?

Conference Chair Brigitte Zypries speaks with Federal Minister of Justice Dr Stefanie Hubig about her vision for digital justice, current reform plans and the question of how modernisation, citizen-centredness and trust in the rule of law can continue to be reconciled in the future.

Digital communication platforms and online litigation procedures are fundamentally changing access to justice. This session will discuss how efficiency gains can be harnessed without creating new digital barriers and exclusions.

Since 2025, the Commercial Courts have been strengthening Germany’s position as a centre for the administration of justice in the face of international competition and offering an alternative to private arbitration. The session will examine the current state of development of this still-emerging service and discuss whether this model can serve as a blueprint for further reforms and the digitalisation of the judiciary.

Deepfakes, automated fraud and new demands on legislation, the judiciary and security authorities

Digital manipulation is changing the very foundations of truth and trust. This session will discuss how legislation and the rule of law can respond to synthetic realities – and where digital regulation reaches its limits.

In addition, the 4th Digital Justice Award will be presented and the ‘Audience Favourite’ chosen by the participants. The award recognises outstanding, innovative products and services that act as catalysts for the modernisation and digitalisation of the justice system .

AI has become part of judicial practice: in anonymisation, mass proceedings, research and procedural support. The focus is now on scaling, control and the limits imposed by the rule of law. The focus is on specific applications, practical experience and the question of when AI in the justice system becomes a high-risk scenario.

The digital transformation of the justice system stands or falls on the people who work within it. The forum brings together perspectives from the justice system, legal education and the labour market, and discusses how digital skills can be strengthened as part of legal training and how skilled professionals can be recruited.

Common standards and close cooperation between the judiciary, the legal tech sector, the legal profession and the business community are crucial to driving innovation forward in a responsible manner. This session will discuss how innovation, AI and automation can be shaped in a responsible manner, and what role ethics, transparency and human accountability play in digital decision-making within the judiciary.