Contracting digital services for courts
A guide to digital contracts for courts
The rapid shift to digital court services, accelerated by the pandemic, has made effective contracting essential. We offer guidance to help your court navigate complex agreements with digital service providers to ensure transparency, security, and fairness.
Our "Contracting Digital Services for Courts" guide was created to assist courts with protecting their autonomy while also ensuring digital service reliability. Effective digital contracting enables courts to balance innovation with accountability, safeguard the rights of litigants, and maintain the integrity of the justice system.
Key takeaways from our guide
- Define rights clearly: Contracts should ensure that courts have the authority to modify digital services, address security issues, and enforce compliance
- Safeguard data security: Courts must carefully negotiate data rights to prevent misuse, ensure privacy, and preserve public trust
- Plan for future flexibility: Digital contracts need provisions for software updates and future improvements based on user needs
- Hold vendors accountable: Courts should mandate transparency in vendor supply chains and include performance guarantees
- Establish exit strategies: Contracts should contain "off-ramps" that allow courts to transition smoothly if vendors fail to meet requirements
Using our guide to apply strategic contracting principles can help your court shape fair, effective digital partnerships that serve the public interest. With well-structured agreements, courts can future-proof their technology and uphold access to justice.