Digitalization of Justice in the Kingdom of Spain

Abstract

The relevance of the scientific study is that the article addresses key aspects of the digitalization of the justice system in the Kingdom of Spain. The regulatory framework, technological solutions, and practical results of the introduction of digital tools into the judicial system are analyzed. Particular attention is paid to electronic justice (Justicia Digital), automation of trials, and prospects for further development. Strategic directions for the digitalization of Spanish justice include: (1) complete digitalization of legal proceedings (from filing a lawsuit to enforcement of a decision), (2) development of electronic justice (Justicia Digital), (3) the introduction of artificial intelligence for data analysis and forecasting, and (4) strengthening cybersecurity of judicial systems. The primary method of investigating the problem was the deductive method, which made it possible to study the legal framework and features of the use of electronic means in litigation in Spain. The article also employs the inductive method, the method of system scientific analysis, as well as comparative legal and historical methods. The scientific article concludes that Spanish Law 18/2011 is of great importance for the digitalization of justice: firstly, with its adoption and implementation, there was an acceleration of judicial procedures (reducing the time for case consideration due to automation); secondly, the implementation of this law helped reduce the bureaucratic burden on courts (for example, decreasing dependence on paper media); thirdly, Spanish Law 18/2011 complies with EU standards, particularly the Directive on electronic justice (2020/1828). The problems identified in the review of cases involving the application of digital technologies in Spanish courts can be classified into: technical failures (such as delays due to LexNET overload); unavailability of participants; and legal conflicts (notably, the adaptation of procedural norms for blockchain). Spain has demonstrated significant success in digitalizing justice, but further infrastructure development and legal regulation are necessary to fully integrate technology. The experience of the Spanish system can be valuable for other countries implementing e-justice. The purpose of the article is to investigate the concept, content, place, and role of digital technologies in the development of the judicial system and digitalization in Spain. The aim of this scientific study is to analyze the process of digitalization of the Spanish judicial system, identify key achievements, and address problems that need to be resolved in the near future.