Criminal Justice Procedures 'Paper Documents' Disappear... 'Digitization' Begins

Ministry of Justice Announces Legislative Notice for the "Act on the Use of Electronic Documents in Criminal Justice Procedures"

[Asia Economy Reporter Baek Kyunghwan] The current criminal justice procedures based on paper documents will be replaced by electronic documents. All procedures from investigation to trial and execution will be digitized, allowing parties involved in cases to submit documents and conduct other tasks without visiting institutions in person.

On the 13th, the Ministry of Justice announced that it has prepared and publicly notified a draft bill titled "Act on the Use of Electronic Documents in Criminal Justice Procedures."

The draft bill was prepared to overcome problems caused by the limitations of paper records and to enhance the speed and transparency of criminal justice procedures.

Once the law is enacted, the creation, submission, and distribution of documents throughout the criminal justice process will be digitized. Parties involved in cases can submit evidence without appearing at institutions, and documents such as records will be electronically signed and circulated electronically.

Electronic viewing and printing of case records will also become possible. Moving away from the traditional method of copying evidence records page by page, it will be more convenient to print case records using a computer.

Additionally, an "electronic courtroom" will be practically implemented. Through screen facilities inside the courtroom, it will become easier to present digitized evidence, and oral arguments utilizing this will be activated.

The Ministry of Justice stated, "With the widespread use of electronic documents in criminal justice procedures, the defendant's right to defense will be strengthened and work efficiency will increase. Even defendants who have difficulty using computers can still choose to submit paper documents and receive printed materials, so there will be no hindrance to exercising the right to defense."