ELECTRONIC JUSTICE IN CIVIL PROCEEDINGS: PROBLEMS OF EVIDENCE AND PROCEDURAL EQUALITY

Abstract

The article is devoted to the analysis of the main trends of the digital transformation of civil proceedings. It examines the process of introducing digital technologies into the civil justice system of Ukraine and examines how the conditions of martial law have influenced the development of electronic justice. Particular attention is paid to the advantages of the functioning of the Unified Judicial Information and Telecommunications System, including saving time and resources, prompt access to case materials, increasing the openness of the judicial process and minimizing the need for personal visits to the court.

At the same time, the article outlines the key shortcomings and difficulties of modern electronic proceedings, in particular, insufficient funding, lack of technical equipment and instability of the operation of individual subsystems of the Unified Judicial Information and Telecommunications System. Also, promising directions for further development of the system have been identified, including improving the functioning of the subsystems "Electronic Cabinet", "Electronic Court" and video conferencing, as well as the creation of new subsystems.

It has been concluded that the current stage of justice development in Ukraine demonstrates active digital transformation, manifested in the introduction of electronic proceedings, the Unified Judicial Information and Telecommunication System (UJITS), electronic offices, and the possibility of remote participation in hearings. This enhances the efficiency, transparency, and accessibility of the judicial system, while at the same time revealing problems related to the authenticity of electronic evidence, the absence of unified procedures for their submission, and unequal levels of technical readiness among the parties. To ensure fairness of the process, it is necessary to improve legislation, develop standards for working with electronic materials, and enhance the digital competence of participants. Proper use of electronic tools will contribute to strengthening public trust in the judiciary and ensuring equal access to justice in the digital era.