The FINANCIAL — The majority of citizens surveyed by Accenture in seven countries (69 percent) say the increased use of digital technologies could improve the justice system in their countries. In contrast, the vast majority (87 percent) of those respondents who have interacted with the justice system prior to the survey say they have not experienced any benefits from these technologies as they were not available to them during their interaction, according to Accenture.
Survey respondents – representing Australia, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, the United Kingdom and the United States – also believe new digital technologies have the potential to both reduce the processing times of court cases (63 percent) and reduce administrative costs (62 percent). Additionally, 82 percent of citizens said they would be willing to interact with their justice agency using digital technologies either instead of, or in addition to, face-to-face contact. According to the survey, those willing to interact with their justice system via digital technology were especially receptive to using video conferencing technology (67 percent), email (62 percent) and online citizen information portals (59 percent).
“The survey findings show strong support from citizens for technologies that can make interaction with their justice systems more convenient and efficient, while also reducing case processing times and administrative costs,” said James Slessor, who leads Accenture’s global public safety business. “Citizens want increased access to public services and are more inclined to use digital channels to conduct routine government business and manage their interactions with government agencies.”
Of the respondents who had previously interacted with their justice system, a majority (61 percent) were satisfied with their overall experience. However, nearly three-fourths (74 percent) believe the speed and efficiency of the courts could be improved and more than half (61 percent) of those surveyed say they want improved communication of case progress and increased clarity on court processes, according to Accenture.
“Justice agencies across the world face considerable challenges as they tackle significant workloads while seeking to reduce operating costs, better manage information and human resources and deliver an improved experience to the citizen,” Slessor said. “The survey findings demonstrate how important it is for justice agencies to continue to adopt new digital technologies and tools that can meet the needs of citizens, better manage administrative processes and reduce costs.”
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