Cyberjustice: Technology as a Tool to Re-invent Legal Rituals

Panelist:

Nicolas Vermeys, LL.D.

Documentation:

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Session description:

In fall of 2010, the Université de Montréal’s Centre de recherche en droit public will launch the Cyberjustice Laboratory, a technologically advanced research infrastructure which will be used by CRDP researchers and their collaborators to develop a variety of software solutions to address the many problems currently plaguing the justice system (delays, costs, etc.).

In order to use these technological tools to develop new ways of approaching the legal process and to subsequently rejuvenate courtroom practices, we have to stop and consider the underlying rationales of procedural and evidentiary practices. History has shown us that current rituals and practices must be taken into account when developing technological solutions; otherwise their effectiveness and acceptance become doubtful.

This panel will offer participants a first look at the Cyberjustice Laboratory’s mandate, the type of research that will take place within this new infrastructure, and how researchers plan to close the gap between ritual and technological innovation.