Justice of the Future: How AV and IT Integration are Revolutionising the Digital Hearing
Across the Netherlands, Europe and beyond, judicial systems are experiencing a profound shift. Courtrooms previously dominated by in-person hearings are now blending physical and digital participation, creating a hybrid environment for justice.
This transition was accelerated by the pandemic, but it reflects a longer-standing need. Courts, lawyers, defendants and the public increasingly expect flexibility, accessibility and continuity without compromising on security, fairness or human dignity.
The path to digital justice has not been without its challenges. Many courts still rely on outdated video platforms, fragmented audio systems and inconsistent user experiences. Poor interoperability and ad-hoc solutions can leave digital hearings vulnerable to disruption, impacting not only efficiency but also trust in the justice system itself.
The power of integrated technology
Modern audio-visual (AV) and IT integration offers a way forward. Rather than treating technology as an add-on, courts are beginning to see it as a core part of their infrastructure, just as vital as the bench or the gavel. When designed thoughtfully, AV and IT systems can simplify hearings, improve accessibility for participants and ensure the secure handling of sensitive information. This includes integrating high-quality video conferencing, clear audio capture, simultaneous interpretation tools, secure sharing of digital evidence and robust identity verification for all participants.
Crucially, successful integration depends on standardisation, ease of use and reliability. Judges, prosecutors, defence lawyers, interpreters and witnesses all need to connect with minimal technical barriers. Systems must also comply with strict privacy and data-protection standards such as GDPR, support encrypted communications and maintain reliable failover in the event of technical issues.
Technology with social impact
Beyond immediate efficiencies, digitisation also contributes to broader societal goals. Reducing travel for hearings lowers costs and carbon emissions, while also extending access to justice for people with disabilities or those living in remote locations. Cloud-based platforms and equipment built for extended longevity can reduce energy consumption and support more sustainable procurement practices.
Looking ahead to the digital courtroom
The courtroom of the future may be even more deeply digitised. Artificial intelligence could assist with transcription, case management and translation. Adaptive interfaces could adjust to the complexity or sensitivity of individual cases. Cross-border hearings may become routine, with technology bridging differences in national systems and languages.
For legal authorities, the key will be to adopt technology in a way that respects judicial independence and safeguards due process. This requires more than purchasing equipment. It demands careful planning, training and collaboration with technology partners who understand the unique demands of the justice sector. With the right design, digital hearings can enhance fairness, transparency and efficiency rather than erode them.
“The biggest change we’re seeing in our industry is that digitisation is becoming much more widespread. Previously only executed in sectors and functions where it was easy to apply, digitisation is now taking place in almost every aspect and there are even jurisdictions where work is now done completely digitally, a complete transformation.
With the unstable political situation in the US and Europe’s dependency on American technology, we can be slow to develop alternatives. The challenge is to implement digitisation safely, reliably and quickly. The nature of technology itself doesn’t directly help us with this.
The work that companies like Kinly are doing means that for the litigant, access to legal aid becomes more accessible through communication channels that meet their exact needs. Moving forwards, courts will be empowered to implement new digital technologies within their own organisation that are much easier to adopt.”
- Project Manager, Legal Institution, Netherlands:
As courts move further into the digital age, AV and IT integration is no longer a niche concern but a central pillar of justice delivery. The challenge now is to ensure that these systems are secure, inclusive and human-centred, allowing the judiciary to fulfil its role with integrity, both in the courtroom and online.
To learn how Kinly Netherlands can support your legal organisation with secure and reliable hybrid technology, please contact our expert, Leslie Swinkels: lswinkels@kinly.com.
