As technology advances, the legal system must keep pace to protect the rights and interests of individuals and society. New technologies, such as artificial intelligence (AI) and the Internet of Things (IoT), have raised new legal questions and created new opportunities for the delivery of legal services, such as online dispute resolution and AI, to support research and analysis. 

The Abu Dhabi Global Markets (ADGM) Courts are a digital court system incorporating the latest technology to enhance operations and services. Known as one of the most technologically advanced court systems in the world, ADGM Courts leverage technology through its digital platform, which enables litigants, lawyers, and judges to access and manage court cases online.

“The court aims to be technologically advanced in everything we do — from designing and creating our unique e-court platform to establishing our courtroom, which is multi-purpose. It employs blockchain technology to enforce commercial court judgments. This is our personality; this is how we transact justice with an innovative thinking approach,” says Linda Fitz-Alan, Registrar and CEO of ADGM Courts.

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ALTERNATIVE DISPUTE RESOLUTION 

Another area where ADGM Courts have embraced technology is using AI to support their operations, such as document review and analysis, and enhance decision-making by providing judges with relevant information and insights. 

In addition, ADGM Courts are also known for their commitment to promoting alternative dispute resolution (ADR) methods, such as mediation and arbitration. The ADR center provides a range of services to resolve disputes through non-litigious means. It allows for virtual negotiations and proceedings, making it more accessible and efficient for the parties involved.

BLOCKCHAIN TO ENHANCE THE JUDICIAL PROCESS  

Most recently, ADGM Courts introduced blockchain technology for the global enforcement of commercial judgments, enabling commercial courts to independently and instantly verify the authenticity of judgments.  

“There is no point in having a judgment if you cannot enforce it. What we’ve done by using blockchain is cut out an enormous number of traditional, paper-driven, time-consuming, costly steps in the delivery of an immutable and secure judgment available through an API on the ADGM website or from member courts on the blockchain,” adds Fitz-Alan.

She says that business and investment have moved with technology for a long time, and commercial courts have stayed the same. “With the blockchain solution, we will see an exponential rise in commercial courts delivering certainty, security, and cost efficiency to businesses and investors.”

This initiative will enhance greater trade and commerce, adds Fitz-Alan. “For cross border transactions, blockchain technology will deliver savings, with much more certainty.”