E-file in the Palatinate: Digital Hope or Bureaucracy Brake?

E-file in the Palatinate: Digital Hope or Bureaucracy Brake?

In the local courts of the West of the Palatinate, digitization has found its way into. Electronic files were introduced a few years ago, but the implementation shows both advantages and disadvantages. At first glance, this did not lead to the hoped -for improvements in everyday work. Klaus Biehl, director of the district court in Zweibrücken, expresses that the advantages of the e-file are currently not visible in width. The initial phase was characterized by difficulties because all files had to be scanned. Older judges and employees often have major problems with computer work, which makes the transition phase even more difficult.

Biehl also emphasizes that the exchange of information between the various authorities in Germany is made more difficult by the different digital degrees of progress. At the moment, police authorities and public prosecutors are currently affected, which leads to delays in certain cases. The exchange is often carried out via PDF documents, which must then be printed out, which inhibits the work flow.

The advantages of digital files

Nevertheless, the advantages of the E-ACTe cannot be dismissed. One central point is accessibility: electronic files can be called up at any time and anywhere. This makes working in the home office considerably easier. In addition, the system enables several people to access the same acts at the same time, which improves cooperation between lawyers, judges and other authorities.

Another advantage is the space -saving storage. Physical files no longer have to be accommodated in archive rooms, which is particularly important for the local courts. Within the local courts in Rockenhausen, it is also evident that the introductions of the E-file do not necessarily promise faster processing of the processes. Thomas Edinger, director of the Rockenhausen District Court, explains: "Not everything works faster, things are going differently." The switch to the new system did not lead to a faster completion, but simply to a different workflow.

Edinger also brings up practical challenges. Often, appointments outside the local court must be noticed, for example in old people's homes or hospitals. The handling of a laptop in such situations can be impractical. As a solution, tablets would be considered here that were easier to handle. Edinger is currently still printing out the necessary files for this outside dates, which temporarily undermines the digital approach.

positive experiences at other locations