Supreme Court of Justice Plenary Session Approves Regulations for Implementing the Law on the Use of Digital Media in the Judiciary 

The Plenary Session of the Supreme Court of Justice (SCJ) approved the Regulations for the Implementation of Law No. 339-22, which authorizes the use of digital media within the Judiciary; these regulations are intended to implement and regulate the use of technological tools in judicial and administrative proceedings within the scope of the courts’ jurisdiction. 

The approved regulation stipulates that qualified digital or electronic signatures will be applicable in all courts nationwide within 48 hours of the regulation’s publication. 

As for the digital platform and virtual hearings, they will be implemented gradually and step by step in accordance with the provisions of Article 20 of Law No. 339-22, under the supervision of the Plenary Session of the Supreme Court of Justice, through the implementation of pilot programs organized by subject matter, jurisdiction, and court level. 

The Regulations were developed through a consensus-based consultation process and disseminated within the Judiciary to judges and judicial staff from the 11 Judicial Departments; externally, legal scholars, deans, and directors of law schools, as well as more than 1,500 representatives of the Dominican Republic Bar Association (CARD) and members of civil society organizations, notably the Association of Young Entrepreneurs. During what could be described as a participatory, open, democratic, and pluralistic dialogue, the following were received: 299 opinions and comments during the consultations. 

Under Law No. 339-22, which authorizes the use of digital media in the Judiciary, and its implementing regulations, users will have easier access to justice, with the option to file their petitions and submissions online, as well as view and track their case files from anywhere and receive summonses, notifications, and court notices via digital means, provided they have given their consent. Similarly, attorneys will be able to schedule hearings for their cases from anywhere, as well as submit all requests to the platform remotely 24 hours a day, subject to the applicable deadlines and procedural requirements for each matter. 

Another highly significant provision enshrined in the new law is that attorneys and citizens will have the option to attend hearings virtually in all matters except criminal cases. This legislation is committed to institutional transformation and development, with a strong focus on efficiency and, consequently, on enhancing the quality of service.