Is E-justice Reform of Norwegian Civil Procedure Finally Happening?

Abstract

Fifteen years ago, the digitalisation of civil procedure was put on the agenda in Norway by the new Dispute Act. Only now, though, does e-justice appear to be gaining ground. The article sketches out the existing e-justice elements in the Dispute Act and outlines the new test schemes for electronic communication and paperless court hearings. It then tries to explain why so little has happened over the last 15 years. Against this background, the potential of e-justice reform of Norwegian civil procedure is discussed, along with the challenges it faces.