Introduction

The Impetus of Judicial Reform

Judicial Reform Strategy and its Challenges

Framework for the Use of ICT

Problems and Lessons of ICT Initiatives

What Does the Future Hold?

Conclusion: How a Strategic Focus can be Achieved Through Learning?

Annex: ICT Experiences

“the capabilities of information and communication technologies, together with a rising sense among people all over the world that they are entitled to participation openly in government and society, offer enormous potential for advances that can be of great and lasting benefit to all people of the world….…. and particularly to the poorest people of the world.”
James D. Wolfensohn, President, The World Bank

“Without the protection of human and property rights, and a comprehensive framework of laws, no equitable development is possible.”
James D. Wolfensohn, President, The World Bank

“Harnessing global knowledge is essential to devise strategies and programs of legal and judicial development…….and interconnected societies provide opportunities to learn and build partnerships to achieve these goals.”
Ko-Yung Tung, General Counsel, the World Bank

Introduction:
The globalization of the economy, social trends and other factors present new demands on judiciaries internationally, while at the same time technological and communicational advances offer opportunities to judicial policy makers to make justice more accessible, transparent and effective. In Latin American countries, the use of information technology is not very new. However, the experience in introducing technology in justice sector institutions there has been mixed. Some have had successful applications that have helped promote the rule of law. Others, however, have invested heavily with little improvement in the performance and accessibility of judicial sector institutions. These uneven returns result from several factors and considerations. The purpose of this paper is to explore some of these broad challenges that “policy makers” face in harnessing new technologies in developing countries and taking strategic decisions to make the justice sector more service-oriented and effective.