Socio-legal implications of courtroom technology

This paper is drawn from an ongoing research which attempts to examine the socio-legal implications of the current adoption of courtroom technology on the delivery of the civil justice system of the High Courts in Malaysia. Among the objectives of this research is that it aims to critically examine the socio-legal implications of courtroom technology in the abovementioned courts. This research also critically examines the experience of courtroom technology in the United Kingdom for comparative analysis and lessons to be learned. Finally, this research aims to propose recommendations for the amendment to the relevant statutes, improvement to the practice directions, and to propose best practices and code of conduct in implementing courtroom technology. The research adopts a qualitative method, comprising of the collection of primary data (which involves field work adopting case study design at the High Courts of West and East Malaysia) and secondary data (which involves library-based research). The primary data which have been generated is analysed by using the computer aided qualitative data analysis software ATLAS.ti version 6.2 prior to reporting of the same. It is hoped that this research will contribute to the body of knowledge on courtroom technology in Malaysia.