The Indiana Lawyer yesterday highlighted an Order from the Indiana Supreme Court about Indiana adopting electronic filing for all its state courts in 2015. Part of the justification for adopting e-filing is explained by Chief Justice Brent Dickson:
“Nearly every aspect of our lives includes electronic documents — stores send receipts via email, banks allow check deposits through a smart phone,” Chief Justice Brent Dickson said. “Now lawyers and litigants will be able to file court documents electronically. Using this technology, our courts will be more efficient and better able to administer justice without delay.”
In addition, the decision recognizes the potential access to justice issue electronic filing could have on those who may not be able to afford filing fees:
. . . the courts will strive to build in fee waivers and make the system accessible for indigent litigants.
For an overview of electronic filing currently in place in Indiana, read the end of this Indiana Lawyer article, written by Christopher A. Pearcy.