Feedback Sought from Justice System Users

Nova Scotians who have experience with the court system can give input on ways to modernize the courts using technology and digitization.

A new website and public survey launched today, February 27, will help the Digital Task Force consider next steps by identifying what is working well, what is not working, what could be improved and new ways the courts could digitize and incorporate technology.

The task force, led by the Department of Justice and the Nova Scotia Judiciary, was established in 2021 to improve access to justice, increase efficiencies and create better outcomes for users.

As a first step, the task force engaged Public Digital to assist in outlining a vision for digital transformation of the Nova Scotia courts. The firm interviewed people who work in the justice system, including judges, court staff and lawyers, and reviewed other available research, looking specifically at:

• where the court system is under pressure
• how the court system provides clear, user-centred guidance to minimize misunderstanding for court users
• the role of electronic filing and document management systems
• the role of new virtual and remote ways of attending court
• how the justice system can respond to the need for greater access to information.

The public survey is available online at https://novascotia.ca/nova-scotia-courts-digital-task-force/ and the deadline to participate is March 31.

Quotes:

“Our courts have innovated and shifted rapidly to utilize more virtual services over the last few years, which has improved access to the justice system for many Nova Scotians. Working with the Nova Scotia Judiciary and our other government and justice partners, we will build on progress so far and develop a road map for future innovation.”

– Brad Johns, Attorney General and Minister of Justice

“The pandemic forced the courts to act quickly and be nimble in order to continue hearing matters. The resulting technological changes have helped make processes more accessible for court users. However, long-term digital transformation of the courts will require collaboration and support from every component of the justice system. The task force welcomes feedback from anyone interested in building on the momentum already underway.”

– Michael J. Wood, Chief Justice of Nova Scotia, Digital Task Force Co-Chair

Quick Facts:

• the Digital Task Force includes members of the judiciary from all levels of court, as well as senior government officials from the Department of Justice and Department of Service Nova Scotia and Internal Services, and three lawyers representing the Nova Scotia Barristers’ Society

Additional Resources:

Public Digital’s What We Heard report: https://novascotia.ca/nova-scotia-courts-digital-task-force/docs/what-we-heard-report-nova-scotia-courts.pdf

News release – Work Underway to Transform the Courts: https://novascotia.ca/news/release/?id=20210128005

The Courts of Nova Scotia: https://www.courts.ns.ca/