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Washington Supreme Court Adopts Principles to Guide Technology in Courts

The Principles were adopted to guide the use of information technology so as to protect and advance the fundamental right of equal access to justice.

In December the Supreme Court of Washington adopted a set of principles called the Access to Justice Technology Principles.

The Principles were adopted to guide the use of information technology so as to protect and advance the right of equal access to justice.

From the preamble of the Principles:

"The use of technologies in the Washington State justice system must protect and advance the fundamental right of equal access to justice. There is a particular need to avoid creating or increasing barriers to access and to reduce or remove existing barriers for those who are or may be excluded or underserved, including those not represented by counsel."

The Access to Justice Technology Principles apply to all courts of law, all clerks of court and court administrators, and to all other persons or parts of the Washington justice system under the rule-making authority of the Washington Supreme Court. The Court also hopes they serve as guide for all other entities in the Washington justice system.

The Principals are an initiative of the Washington State Access to Justice Board.

Further information is available online.