eSignature in eCourt Systems

The use of technological tools helped judicial systems to transform court working processes from paper-based conventional systems to a modern electronic format that is more efficient and effective with the aim to deliver better justice services to citizens. However, implementing a fully electronic paperless court system can be achieved only if all relevant processes are digitized; and no paper is used in the court workflows anymore. This requires a legal, valid electronic signature (eSignature) to authenticate court users and to sign court documents electronically and securely. This research investigates the case of the Sulaimaniyah Appellate Court electronic court (eCourt) system in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq (KRI). An exploratory case study research design is employed through a triangulation of multiple sources of data, expert interviews with court users, personal observation, and document analysis of relevant literature, that is furthermore supported by comparison with the example of the Estonian eCourt system. The results show an essential role of eSignature in eCourt systems and aim to extend the body of knowledge and literature for academic researchers, judiciaries, and practitioners concerning the implementation of eCourt systems.