ADR, ODR AND AI-DR, OR DO WE EVEN NEED COURTS ANYMORE?

The Hon. Chief Justice Tom Bathurst AC

The Supreme Court of NSW Wales warmly welcomed some 180 guests at the Court’s inaugural ADR Address on 20 September 2018.

Living in an age of the Fourth Industrial Revolution, computers are increasingly capable to outperforming humans, possibly leading to supplanting the role of legal professionals altogether. Bathurst CJ identifies two main ‘supportive’ technologies that could transform both court proceedings and ADR in a significant manner; reliable instant translation and the use of virtual reality and augmented reality in courtrooms. Looking at ongoing reforms in the United Kingdom and Canada, he notes the situation in NSW and the necessity for a justice system dealing with everyday problems, e.g. through implementing online dispute resolution options. However, while this would improve access to justice for some, His Honour highlights the issue of the digital exclusion, which must be taken into consideration when ‘modernising’ the courtroom and the way in which disputes are to be dealt.

Bathurst CJ’s full speech can be found here»

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