This has enabled realisations of improvements in efficiency by minimising paper flow to shorten case processing time.
Lawyers can even obtain details of hearing fixtures via Short Messaging System (SMS) using their mobile phones.
The entire submission may consist of one or several documents and this is digitally signed using the smart card issued upon registration in order to ensure authenticity and non-repudiation.
The GW performs the following crucial functions: (a) Automated validation checks when documents are filed; (b) Implementation of certain special rules; (c) Automated routing of submissions into Courts’ in-trays; (d) Computation of stamp and other filing fees; (e) Exchange of information between the Back End and the Front End.
The Pack-n-Go feature allows registrars and judges to download all the documents in a case file onto a thumb drive for reading at home.
The LawNet information service, which originally provided a single database of statutes for the legal profession, was launched in 1990.
Under this programme, a comprehensive network infrastructure was put in place to support various applications, including connectivity to external systems.
Under the proposed EFS, law firms would be able to file their suits and submit documents through an electronic data interchange.
The first project which ERIC undertook was the organisation of the Electronic Litigation Colloquium, held on 17 April 2004 at The Sentosa Spa & Resort (formerly known as The Beaufort).
The aim of the colloquium was to provide a platform for the stakeholders in the EFS to get together and canvass their views and ideas as to what the new landscape for electronic litigation in Singapore should look like.
Representatives from the bench, the bar, IT vendors and the InfoComm Development Authority of Singapore (IDA) were invited to the Colloquium, in order to obtain a good representation from the various stakeholders of the litigation process.
Subsequently, a Select Group was set up to draft the Roadmap Paper and come up with a blueprint to pave the way for the development of the new Electronic Litigation System.
Part II: Corollary considerations (a) Reviewing the litigation process; (b) Costs and business models; and (c) Open technical standards for integration and interoperability.
The responses were generally supportive of the ideas that were proposed in the ELS Roadmap Paper, providing pertinent – and at times, very detailed – observations and comments on the various concepts contained therein.
At the close of the Public Consultation, the Electronic Litigation Roadmap was revised accordingly to incorporate the relevant responses received.