Impact of e-court systems implementation: a case study

Abstract

Purpose

E-court systems automate court processes and provide better case administration with more effective and efficient justice delivery. This paper aims to present the e-court system in the Sulaimaniyah Appellate Court in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq as a case study. It identifies significant improvements after adopting the system.

Design/methodology/approach

This study used a qualitative approach with an exploratory case study design. Data collected from a triangulation of three sources through structured expert interviews with 30 stakeholders, personal observations by two of the authors, supported by analyzing current relevant literature. R package for Qualitative Data Analysis was the analysis tool.

Findings

Findings showed 10 improvements that enhanced court efficiency and effectiveness concerning better case administration, a more transparent process and increased court case security.

Research limitations/implications

This research is limited to improvements after adopting an e-court system.

Practical implications

This research provides a foundation for practitioners who are on the way to implement the e-court system and serves the decision-makers in the Kurdistan Regional Government to plan future expansion in the region.

Originality/value

This research focuses on the e-court system in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq. It is implemented as a first e-service to be a pilot for a broader plan to integrate all appellate courts in other cities in the Kurdistan of Iraq, hence, stepping toward the implementation of e-government.

Citation

Ahmed, R.K., Muhammed, K.H., Pappel, I. and Draheim, D. (2021), "Impact of e-court systems implementation: a case study", Transforming Government: People, Process and Policy, Vol. 15 No. 1, pp. 108-128. https://doi.org/10.1108/TG-01-2020-0008