Enhancing the Quality of Judicial Service Delivery through E-Filing System The Case of Rukwa District Courts in Tanzania

Abstract

E-filing system is advocated for improving the quality of judicial service delivery worldwide, and this has proved successful in developed countries. In 2016, the Tanzania judicial organ piloted the e-filing system and later in 2018, a countrywide rollout proceeded. Despite the adoption of the e-filing system, anomalies in the procedures for case filing are common, especially in the Rukwa Region. Previous studies have not given enough consideration to the aspects and dimensions of quality judicial service delivery through the e-filing system such as duration, accessibility and convenience in district courts. This knowledge gap made it difficult for scholars and policy implementers to comprehend the current situation in district courts where reforms in judicial service delivery are ongoing. This study aimed to examine the contribution of the e-filing system to the quality of judicial service delivery in Rukwa District courts. This work applied a mixed approach with a case study design using both primary and secondary data. Primary data were collected from 78 respondents through the survey method, while seven (7) key informants were involved in interviews and supplemented by the non-participant observation method. On the other hand, secondary data were collected through a documentary review. The statistical package for social sciences (SPSS) was used to generate frequencies, and percentages followed by correlation analysis. Findings revealed that the e-filing system had the potential to improve the quality of judicial service delivery through time-saving, increased accessibility and enhanced convenience of specific judicial services such as case filing. However, the potential of the e-filing system was challenged by disruptions in internet connectivity, limited interoperability and inadequate ICT facilities mainly desktops. The study recommends fostering reliable internet connectivity, enabling the system to operate offline, integrating the system with more technological innovations, and optimizing ICT facilities such as laptops or desktops to meet the needs.