Electronic Trials in Civil and Criminal Cases via Video Communication Technology: An Applied Study at the West Thamar Primary Court

Abstract

The aim of this study is to urge Yemeni legislators to adopt electronic trials to modernize the judiciary, enhance procedural justice, and resolve case backlogs. It identifies implementation challenges, proposes legal-technological solutions, and emphasizes leveraging technology for efficiency. Despite global tech integration, Yemen’s e-court adoption lags due to legislative gaps, even in jurisdictions claiming partial compliance. The study is organized into an introduction and three sections. Section one examines the concept and features of electronic courts. Section two analyzes the prerequisites for implementing electronic trials. Section three evaluates the procedural mechanisms of electronic trials in the West Thamar Court. Findings indicate that electronic courts comprise specialized judicial panels adjudicating cases through modern digital tools within an integrated IT-based judicial framework. Additionally, it was revealed that this framework relies on internet connectivity and electronic file management systems. It was concluded that technical prerequisites include computer infrastructure within courts and interlinked networks. Procedural processes - such as filing suits, issuing notifications, and exchanging memoranda - are conducted electronically.