This report analyses the ways in which ‘justice system data’ – that is the information generated by the process of justice – is managed in three countries: Australia, Canada and Ireland. It considers how data-sharing methods are perceived to relate to judicial independence, innovation, and public understanding of, and confidence in, the justice system.
The report recommends:
- Clearly presented policies, shared publicly, on the differing roles for executive, court service, judiciary and any third-party providers in the management of justice system data.
- Accountability mechanisms for access to justice data: i.e. appropriate routes of application and appeal for accessing justice data that is not readily available in the public domain.
- Consideration of public and court user views and experiences in the design of justice system data processes (especially with regard to the use of personal data).
- Detailed measurement of the impact of data sharing practices on outcomes of the justice system.
A spreadsheet summarising key justice system features is available here.
An open library of references is available here
Executive summary: 'Justice system data': A comparative study
'Justice system data': a comparative study