Bill to digitize Spanish justice: online filings, hearings and case files

Automatic summary, not yet reviewed

1. The bill would make the justice system work through electronic means: filing documents, notifications and checking case files would be digital, although individuals who are not required to do so could choose whether to use these channels.
2. It creates Carpeta Justicia (Justice Folder), a personalized service where each person could check their case files, view and sign pending notifications, request an appointment and file suggestions or complaints, after secure identification.
3. It regulates the electronic court case file, identified with a single number and an electronic index, plus a common system to exchange documents and case files between courts and prosecutor offices nationwide.
4. Trials, hearings and appearances would preferably be held by videoconference, with exceptions: the defendant must appear in person in serious crime trials and jury trials, and may request it in other cases.
5. It defines secure access points and secure places from which people can take part remotely, and bans recording or taking images of those proceedings for purposes other than judicial ones, with fines from 180 to 60,000 euros.
6. It establishes automated, proactive and assisted actions: the system could perform simple procedural tasks, generate alerts or prepare document drafts, but a draft never becomes a ruling without validation by a judge, prosecutor or court clerk.
7. It strengthens transparency with a Justice Administration data portal, which would include an open data section with anonymized information on the activity and workload of judicial bodies.
8. The bill would enter into force on January 1, 2023, although most key services (Carpeta Justicia, the common registry, the Common Point for Notifications) would start on January 1, 2025.

Who it affects

• General public: People could deal with courts electronically and use Carpeta Justicia to check case files, receive notifications and request appointments; those not required to do so could choose the channel.
• Lawyers, court representatives and social graduates: They would be required to use electronic means and would have the right to digital disconnection and work-life balance.
• Judges, prosecutors and court staff: They could work remotely or by telework through secure systems and would use electronic signatures in their work.
• Victims of gender or sexual violence, minors and people with disabilities: They could testify by videoconference from the places where they receive assistance or protection, without going to court.
• Older people and people with disabilities: Administrations must guarantee they can access electronic services on equal terms.

Words worth knowing

Sede judicial electrónica (electronic courthouse)

Official website of each justice administration where court procedures are carried out and judicial information is checked.

Expediente judicial electrónico (electronic case file)

Digital set of data, documents, steps and recordings of a court case, replacing the paper file.

Actos de comunicación (court notifications)

Notifications and summonses the court sends to the parties and professionals in a case.

Punto de acceso seguro (secure access point)

Device or system meeting technical requirements to take part by videoconference in a court proceeding with full legal effect.

Letrado de la Administración de Justicia (court clerk)

Civil servant who manages and certifies court procedures (formerly called judicial secretary).

It summarizes the text as it was introduced. It is written by artificial intelligence and may contain mistakes: the official text is what counts. Read the official text · How we make summaries