Abstract
Background: Judiciary institutions are transforming their operations from analogue to digital
intending to expedite justice delivery globally. In Zimbabwe, the Judicial Service Commission
(JCS) adopted the Integrated Electronic Case Management System (IECMS) in February 2022
as an online platform designed to digitalise the litigation process. However, the anticipated
benefits, potential challenges and prospects of the IECMS as a digital justice delivery innovation
in Zimbabwe are yet to be evaluated.
Objectives: The purpose of this article is to evaluate Zimbabwe’s IECMS with the view to
establishing its viability in bringing expediency in justice delivery by the country’s courts.
Method: The study employs a qualitative desk research methodology to collect data from
secondary sources such as research papers and newspaper articles focusing on the
implementation of the IECMS in Zimbabwe. Data were analysed using qualitative content
analysis.
Results: The findings of this study revealed that the IECMS has the potential to revamp the
judiciary in Zimbabwe. However, its successful implementation in courts could be challenged
by resistance to change, technological resource constraints, the lack of public awareness,
technological illiteracy by users and poor Internet connectivity in Zimbabwe.
Conclusion: The study concludes that while the IECMS seems to be a major transformation in
the judicial sector in Zimbabwe, its successful adoption must be preceded by investments in
technology to ensure uninterrupted Internet connectivity by litigants and their representatives.
Contribution: This article provides a critical appraisal of the viability of adopting digitalisation
in the judiciary in the context of developing countries.