ICT-ENABLED APPLICATIONS FOR DECISION-MAKING BY THE COURTS: EXPERIENCES FROM MALAYSIA AND NIGERIA

Abstract

In this era of internet-of-things whereby the ICT, internet, and other associated gadgets and technologies are tremendously affecting our lives, there is no gainsaying that these ‘disruptive’ technologies have contributed greatly to improve the pace of justice delivery all over the world. With the recent outbreak of COVID-19 all over the world, technological adoption has enhanced further. Within the context of the courts, many countries have embraced the use of ICT and the internet in their justice delivery system consequent upon which thousands of mobile phone applications and computer hardware and software are being developed. Court Rules were amended to provide for these changes and further institutionalise these changes. This conceptual paper provides insights and experiences on how ICT-enabled applications impact the decision-making processes by the courts in Malaysia and Nigeria. Hopefully, the paper would contribute to the body of knowledge on ICT adoption studies in general, and e-courts and e-justice systems in particular.