“MEZAN” Case Management Program At Palestinian Courts

Introduction Information Technology Department was established in 2005 in order to help High Judicial Council to cope with the latest developments and relevant challenges on Judicial Authority sector and to provide technological services that ensure speedy trials and facilitate access to justice. Computerize all regular courts and equip them with networks, printers, scanners and PBX phone systems. Design and develop internal software for case management system to follow up case files at all levels of litigation starting from its filling stage until the adoption of the execution procedures. Design and build computer networks and electronic systems in judicial authority buildings and offices. Activate e-links with relevant authorities: Ministry of Interior database /Ministry of Justice /Ministry of Transportation and Palestinian Police /Palestinian Bar Association. Design and build Case management program (MEZAN).

Case Management Program (MEZAN) MEZAN program came as a comprehensive information technology system with a vision that includes electronic case management system, register and case file automation, electronic communications of courts data in order to assist courts implementation and to facilitate use of technology in courthouses, taking into consideration a priority for enhancing and improving access to justice to all citizens in an efficient and transparent way.

MEZAN Program Stages To achieve the level required for High Judicial Council to effectively and efficiently deliver services to the public, MEZAN Program went through several stages over the past ten years. MEZAN Program Stages: Study and research. Develop MEZAN version 1and its application. Develop MEZAN version 2.

First Stage Study and Research Legal experts and IT staff in High Judicial Council work intensively on surveying and analyzing work mechanism in courts in order to mold modern technology into appropriate judiciary processes. Identify priorities and safety procedures to guaranty saving database. MEZAN V1 is initially designed to store case data and notifications electronically and to operate efficiently only over a local area network.

Second Stage Build and Develop MEZAN version 1 After the noteworthy achievements of Case Management Program in its first stage, High Judicial Council decided to implement the program in all Palestinian courts. MEZAN V1assisted several courts departments in archiving and entering a large number of cases files and documents into MEZAN software, case registration, prepare notifications and reports. Alleviating some of the case backlog at Palestinian courts and speeding up case processing times. MEZAN V1came to help Palestinian courts to cope with the latest developments and relevant challenges on Judicial Authority sector and to provide technological services that ensure speedy trials and facilitate access to justice.

Third Stage Build and Develop MEZAN version 2 To avoid all problematic issues and obstacles faced Case Management Program V1, a new strategy had been developed in order to identify gaps so as to be taken into consideration in future plans. Information Technology Department managed to: 1.Follow up notes from judges and administrative staff on daily process to develop the program in response to their needs. 2.Prepare and implement training programs on the use of information technology in courts to enhance the administrative capacities.

Third Stage Build and Develop MEZAN version 2 MEZAN Program became a central database that links all courts as well as activating e-links with relevant authorities: Public Prosecution (criminal cases). Ministry of Interior database (population records). Ministry of Transportation and Palestinian Police (traffic violation reports). Palestinian Bar Association (lawyers' directory). Ministry of Justice (national criminal records).

Current Situation As the program progressed, all courts and Prosecution Departments depend on MEZAN V2 which reduces crowding in courthouses and save staff time required to deliver services. MEZAN V2Program provides attorneys the ability to follow up their cases and the possibility for electronic filing of documents rather than physically bringing them to court. This further reduces court visits and reduces staff time. MEZAN V2Program provides judges and researchers access to international legal research materials and database, keeping them informed of current legal trends and providing knowledge resources for specialized legal fields.

E-services for inquiry Electronic communication opens the possibility for on-line, public and attorney access to court information via the Internet, and avoids physical trips to the courthouse to access and view information (hearing schedules, new case file documents, etc.). This capability reduces congestion in the courthouse, reduces staff time required to serve public and attorney inquiries and requests, and contributes to a more efficient organization.

E-services for filing Electronic communication opens the possibility for electronic filing of documents (pleadings, etc.) by prosecutors and attorneys, rather than physically bringing them to the court for inclusion in the case dossier. This further reduces court visits and congestion, and reduces clerical staff time required to input case data and process and maintain case files.

E-notification Electronic communication opens the possibility for electronic notification of parties (e.g. attorneys) by the court to attend hearings (summons), and electronic transmission of other court documents that must be served (e.g. decisions, judgments, warrants, etc.). This speeds service and can contribute to shorter case processing times.

Integrated Justice System Courts are one component of a larger criminal justice system including police, (prosecutors), and corrections (detention and release-supervision). Electronic communications between agencies may be used for arrest notification, warrant service, scheduling of defendant appearance in court hearings, scheduling testimony of police officers, transmission of official documents, and court notification of detention and sentences served. Public safety is increased by efficient and effective communication between the criminal justice system components.

High Judicial Council West Bank – Al-Bireh – Al-Balou