Pöördumine

SUPREME COURT REPUBLIC OF ESTONIA

Chief Justice Sundaresh Menon Supreme Court of Singapore

Tartu, 23 September 2024

Co-operation regarding the use of artificial intelligence in the judicial system

Honourable Mr Sundaresh Menon,

The Estonian judiciary is currently drafting a comprehensive reform of the court system, which most importantly includes a review of all the digital solutions being used in the everyday work of the judges and that are also accessible to parties of the proceedings. Estonia launched its first court information system (KOLA) in2002 for publication of court decisions and statistics. In 2006, the first generation complex information system (KIS) was introduced to the judiciary for handling documents and allowing automated notifications and invitations. In 2009, the first Public Portal for digital communication between the participants of court proceedings (police, prosecutors, citizens etc.) set place. In years 2013-2014, the second generation court information system (KIS2) was implemented, which enables the registration of court cases, hearings and judgments, automatic allocation of cases to judges, creation of summons, publication ofjudgements etc. Since then, multiple updates have been made to the system and innovations have taken place regarding the possibility to electronically submit procedural documents to courts and to observe the progress of the proceedings related to them with the

ultimate goal to have paperless proceedings.

With that in mind, we have now arrived at a stage where the digitalisation of the entire judicial process is more pertinent than ever. Our aim is to advance the integration of artificial intelligence within the judicial system. To this end, a working group, including myself and judges from first instance courts, has been established to explore opportunities for further implementation of digital solutions and to draft a comprehensive digitalisation plan for the court system.

As Singapore has been repeatedly cited as one of the most forward-thinking countries in the

world when it comes to the implementation of digital solutions in the judicial system, our working group is very interested in learning about the digitalisation journey of the Singapore judiciary. Moreover, we would sincerely appreciate if we could get the chance to gather some ideas for our future digitalisation plans and the opportunity to pay a visit to Singapore to exchange experiences and share thoughts how to make the court system more efficient, user- friendly and accessible by using artificial intelligence. We are looking forward to developing a

fruitful cooperation with you in order to put this invaluable knowledge into effect.

l7 Lossi St, 50093 Tartu, ESTONIA.TeI +372 730 9002, fax +372 730 9003, e-mail: [email protected]

On behalf of the beforementioned working group I would be grateful for your feedback at the

earliest convenience.

Please accept, Mr Sundaresh Menon, the assurances of my highest consideration.

Yours sincerely,

Villu Kõve Chief Justice Supreme Court of Estonia