CaseLines releases electronic bundles tool in bid to help courts maintain service

In response to courts moving online during the COVID-19 crisis, CaseLines has released a tool, eBridge, that allows them to move to electronic bundles for hearings using existing filing protocols.

The tool allows courts that are already using Skype and Zoom to come together remotely to see the latest evidence securely and collaboratively in a “remote courtroom”, CaseLines has said.

Breaking down how eBridge is used, CaseLines said that the applicant for a case would prepare their electronic bundle on their platform in the normal way, but before the electronic bundle is complete, users of eBridge can download a one-page PDF document from the software and submit it to the court, either by email or through the eFiling system at the courthouse.

From that point on, secure access to the latest version of the electronic bundle is available via the links in the eBridge one-page PDF. All parties, including the judge and court staff, have access to the latest version of the electronic bundle from any location. Access is restricted to invited parties.

According to CaseLines, bundles can be modified at any point using the software and users can work with others in the remote courtroom.

Implementation of the software can be achieved in two days.

Paul Sachs, founder and CTO at CaseLines, said: “Our platform was designed from the outset to let users conduct remote or virtual hearings. All parties have secure access to evidence in an online data room with proven legal and courtroom tools, enabling all parties to work in a remote hearing setting."

He added: “During this crisis, our goal is to make it as simple as possible for courts to deliver flexible and secure electronic hearings and reduce the impact of the new ways of working on justice systems everywhere.”

Adam Carey