Legal Practitioners' Views on the Effectiveness of Virtual Courts

Abstract

This study aimed to explore legal practitioners' perspectives on the effectiveness of virtual courts, focusing on identifying the main themes related to technological adoption, procedural changes, the impact on justice access, and future directions of virtual courtroom proceedings. Employing a qualitative research design, the study conducted semi-structured interviews with 30 legal practitioners, including lawyers, judges, paralegals, and court clerks. Participants were selected through purposive sampling to ensure a diverse range of experiences and viewpoints. Data were analyzed using thematic analysis to identify patterns, themes, and sub-themes related to the effectiveness of virtual courts. The analysis revealed four main themes: Technological Adoption, Procedural Changes, Impact on Justice Access, and Future Directions. Within these themes, categories such as Ease of Use, Accessibility, Security Measures, Judicial Efficiency, and Public Perception and Acceptance emerged, along with various sub-themes and concepts highlighting the complex dynamics of virtual court proceedings. Key findings include the importance of user-friendly technology, the potential of virtual courts to improve access to justice, and the need for continuous adaptation and training to address technological and procedural challenges. Virtual courts possess the potential to transform judicial processes, offering opportunities for increased efficiency and accessibility. However, the effectiveness of such systems is contingent upon addressing technological, procedural, and accessibility challenges. Future developments in virtual courts should focus on enhancing user satisfaction, ensuring equitable access to justice, and adapting to evolving technological landscapes.

Keywords: Virtual Courts, Legal Practitioners, Technological Adoption, Procedural Changes, Access to Justice.