Lacking progress in the computerization of the justice system. The Ministry of Justice uses outdated information systems
Press release on audit No 21/28 – 7 November 2022
The SAO verified whether the Ministry of Justice (MoJ) and the Probation and Mediation Service (PMS) managed state and EU funds economically, efficiently and effectively in the years 2016 to 2021, when the computerization of the justice system was taking place – the implementation of the eJustice strategy. The auditors revealed that although the MoJ spent a total of CZK 331.5 million on the computerization of the system in the years under review, it made only minimal progress in the development of eJustice. Key information systems have not been completed, or their implementation have not even started (specifically the new modular electronic filing system was not introduced).
Without these, the successful completion of the computerization of the justice system is almost impossible. The Ministry continues to use outdated, incompatible and costly information systems. Furthermore, for example, electronic filing with immediate electronic payment is lacking as well as user-friendly tools for communication with litigants. There is also no possibility for remote viewing of case files or data sharing among information systems of various ministries. The SAO evaluated the implementation of the eJustice strategy and its management as ineffective.
Out of the 20 specific objectives of the eJustice strategy, the Ministry has achieved only two, while completing only eight out of 37 planned activities. Of the CZK 331.5 million spent so far on the implementation of the eJustice strategy, the largest part - CZK 247 million - was spent on the acquisition of videoconference equipment and recording devices for courtrooms.
Out of the three projects audited by the SAO, none was operational at the time of the audit. For example, the timeframe for the eISIR1 project was repeatedly extended by the Ministry, but in six years it managed to acquire only three supporting applications. If the MoJ fails to complete this project by December of next year at the latest, the European subsidy of almost CZK 178 million will not be reimbursed. The Ministry would thus have to pay for the entire project which amounts to almost CZK 220 million from the state budget and return the reimbursed EU funds.
The project of electronic monitoring of persons, which was supposed, among other things, to simplify the tracking of persons sentenced to house arrest, had to be terminated by the Probation and Mediation Service after three years of operation because the contractor did not fulfil some obligations under the contract or with considerable delays. The contractual penalties and damages were quantified by the PMS at CZK 139.5 million. This amount is being recovered from the contractor in court. Since December 2021, probation officers have been once again carrying out checks on convicts in the form of unannounced visits. The average monthly cost of these inspections ranges from CZK 232,000 to CZK 464,000. However, due to inflation and rising fuel prices, these costs can be expected to increase. The MoJ and the Probation and Mediation Service have repeatedly attempted to introduce electronic monitoring of persons since 2012.
The auditors also found that the MoJ did not have a defined or indicative amount of money it would need to meet the objectives of the eJustice strategy. It did not have a clear idea of what projects it wanted to implement, to what extent and in what timeframe. The development of eJustice was therefore uncoordinated. The lack of basic management documents and the inability to draw on budgeted investment funds are also responsible for the ineffective development of the eJustice system. Between 2016 and 2021, only 21% to 50% of these funds were spent.
1] A project designed to build a new modular electronic filing system, a new electronic information system for the insolvency register and seven supporting applications.
Communication Department
Supreme Audit Office