Courts IT overhaul gets underway

The modernisation of the judicial system is dependant on new IT infrastructure and case management systems, according to the Court Service's annual report for 2002 to 2003.

The Court Service is part of criminal justice system plans to invest £1.16bn in IT over the next three years. Central to this is a 'joined-up' case management system for all parts of the CJS.

The first stage however is to upgrade the basic IT infrastructure across the CJS. The Court Service is behind other parts of the CJS in this but said in its report that work is now underway.

Peter Handcock, CEO of the Court Service, said in the report: "We have continued to modernise the courts. Work has begun on the installation of a new IT infrastructure for staff and the judiciary in the Crown Court."

The new IT infrastructure for staff and the judiciary in the Crown Courts will provide new computers and printers, software for word processing, email, spreadsheets and diaries, and access to case management systems.

It has been installed already in Snaresbrook, Basildon, Southend and Leicester Crown Court centres and has enabled the piloting of the use of secure email. This will allow the crown court to exchange electronic information with other criminal justice organisations and professionals.

Other initiatives include a judicial portal for judges to access information and conferencing services using the internet and knowledge management software, and electronic presentation of evidence facilities.