From physical files to e-systems: rethinking digital evidence in justice
News
Videos, photos, phone data, and messages can all be used as digital evidence in criminal cases. As the volume and complexity of digital evidence continue to grow, justice systems are moving towards more secure and integrated digital solutions to manage it. Digitalising evidence management is essential to ensure efficiency, security, integrity, and trust in judicial processes.
These topics were at the centre of discussions in Brussels at the closing event of the project “Digital Evidence for Justice: Enhancing digital evidence management in Belgium”, implemented from September 2024 to February 2026. The project supported Belgium in advancing reforms to strengthen the efficiency and trustworthiness of judicial processes through improved digital evidence management.
Managing digital evidence across institutions and cases is complex. It involves many actors, systems, and steps that all need to work together to keep evidence secure, reliable, and accessible when needed.
A shift is gradually taking place. Instead of treating digital evidence as separate files, justice systems are moving towards more connected approaches, where evidence can be securely stored, accessed, and reused across proceedings. This requires more than technology. It depends on clear governance, coordinated processes, and strong cooperation between institutions.
Drawing on Estonia’s experience, one lesson stands out. Digital justice is built through clear ownership, cooperation between institutions, and shared ways of working. This has helped create systems where digital evidence is part of a connected whole, rather than something that moves between actors in separate steps.
The event brought together practitioners, policymakers, and digitalisation experts to reflect on the project’s findings and recommendations. These included developing a blueprint for improved evidence management, a design proposal for a digital court office as a new service access point, and a broader assessment of governance, processes, and existing systems.
Practitioners shared their daily experiences with digital evidence, pointing out both progress and ongoing challenges. Estonian experts such as Margus Sarapuu and Mehis Sihvart explained how digital justice systems develop step by step, highlighting the importance of long-term commitment and alignment between institutions.
Discussions also focused on the human and organisational side of change. Randel Länts and Rica Williams highlighted that trust, clear communication, and readiness across institutions are essential for successful digital transformation. David Jaroszewski emphasised the importance of strong leadership in guiding complex change and ensuring reforms are sustainable.
A key takeaway from the discussions was that digital justice reform depends on alignment. Technology alone cannot deliver change. Leadership, regulation, processes, and people need to move in the same direction to create systems that are both functional and trusted.
This project was funded by the European Union through the Technical Support Instrument and implemented by the e-Governance Academy in cooperation with the European Commission.
