Adoption and Use of Digital Court Records on E-justice Service Delivery at the Judiciary of Tanzania- Mbeya Zonal High Court (JoT-MZHC)

Abstract

The study investigated adoption and use of digital court records on e-justice service delivery at the Judiciary of Tanzania- Mbeya Zonal High Court (JoT-MZHC). It focused on staff perception on the contribution of digital court records in promoting e-justice service delivery; the organizational capacity on managing digital court records and; establishing the challenges facing management of digital court records. The study employed the descriptive research design with both quantitative and qualitative research approaches however quantitative approach dominated the study. Data were collected through questionnaires and interviews from the sample of 36 respondents who were purposively selected. The study found that, staff perceive that digital court records effectively facilitate access of judicial information and proceedings, enhances accountability and transparency. The study indicates the organizational capacity in enhancing management of digital court records to increase efficiency in judicial service delivery. However, the study realized challenge of budget constraints, shortage of IT experts, instability of internet and electricity, and lack policies on managing digital courts. It was concluded that there are improvements on effective and efficient adoption and use of digital courts for e-justice delivery in Judiciary of Tanzania. The study recommends on allocating adequate budget for adoption and use of ICT, increase internet and bandwidth, capacity building to improve digital court records management for e-justice service delivery.