UK courts in paperless drive

ZDNet reports.

Prosecutors will be given tablet devices that will contain all the evidence and documentation needed to conduct court hearings.

According to The Telegraph, the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) said the cost of the pilot was “pretty nominal” compared to the £50 million it hopes it will save during the current parliament. The CPS faces budget cuts of 25% over the next four years.

Officials have not yet decided whether to buy iPads, Android tablets or other devices, a spokesman said, denying a report they had bought HP TouchPads, which were scrapped in August after failing to make an impact on the burgeoning market.

Geeky Gadgets states that the project will start with prosecutors, and later judges and other court officials will be handed their own tablets, which will contain all the necessary documentation and records, even evidence, needed in a hearing. Norwich crown court gets first taste of the tablets in action with a mock trial to be implemented soon.

Police officers also stand to benefit with the new venture, as they will be able to send evidence electronically straight to the court.