The Law Society’s Human Rights & Equality Committee are delighted to announce that the Annual Human Rights Conference on ‘Digitising Justice’ will take place on Friday, 17 November 2023 from 10.00 to 3.00pm at Blackhall Place. The Conference is free, and all are welcome to attend.
This year’s conference will explore the impact of technology on access to justice and discuss how modernising the courts service can help improve overall efficiency and accessibility for marginalised groups. Delegates will hear from civil society leaders on how increased reliance on technology within the justice system may also have various impacts on the persons they work with. Expert judicial voices and those working in the courts service will also speak to ongoing steps to modernise the system and what this has involved thus far.
Judge Scott Schlegel of the Louisiana Fifth Circuit Court of Appeal will appear remotely to discuss the design and management of his online court, described as “one of the most advanced courts in the country for delivering justice online”. Judge Schlegel will provide an insight into the life cycle of the online court, from its establishment, initial resistance to change and introduction of safeguards for court users, particularly to protect against witness tampering for those testifying online. He will also speak about ‘bringing the courts to the community’ with the development of localised facilities across the State of Louisiana to ensure that all persons have access to the necessary equipment and internet services to attend the online court.
The Human Rights Conference will also showcase an array of expert speakers, including:
The Conference will be chaired by Gary Lee, Chairperson of the Human Rights & Equality Committee and solicitor at the Office of the General Solicitor for Minors and Wards of Court.
More information and registration is available here.