Electronic and Digital Technologies in Lawsuits - Agreement No. 3/2015 of the Argentine Supreme Court of Justice

Setting its sights on the continued employment of digital tools, the Argentine Supreme Court of Justice (CSJN) approved through Agreement No.3, dated February 19, 2015, new computer guidelines surrounding the use of information systems that have been gradually implemented in the area of the National Judiciary. 

Starting from the first business day in May 2015, the Electronic Judicial Identification (IEJ) will be mandatory for all those users that intervene in judicial proceedings. 

Additionally, it provides for the progressive standardization of cover sheets, judicial notices, forms, orders, edicts, communications, online access to records of judicial proceedings, elevations and certificates of elevation, among other documents, and the incorporation of certain data into judicial proceedings, in order to guarantee the self-sufficiency of the information available to those that consult the system.

It also establishes the requirement to enter digital copies of all procedural acts for cases in progress within 24 hours from  filing on paper (according to Agreement 11/2014), exempting the part related to submitting hard copies. In the event the parties request personal notification, the copies will be available in the online judicial web and in the electronic notification system. 

Another relevant point to mention is that the application of the electronic notification system will be mandatory for all of the proceedings in progress before the National Judiciary beginning on the first business day of May 2015. 

Additionally, in accordance with the current practice of the CSJN, the electronic note will be implemented and the Attendance Book will be replaced by a digital registry within the Judicial Management System.

What is novel is the possibility of creating a profile for an “authorized person” in the electronic notification system for legal persons and State entities.  We understand that this change will resolve issues of large organizations (including law firms) that intervene in various cases under different professionals.

The issuance of this agreement confirms the trend to modernize the provision of judicial services, in the pursuit of reducing and streamlining processing times, as well as allowing quick access to information.  Even when the change faces resistance, it will be necessary to adapt by training different users and the continued implementation of the system. 

This article is intended to provide readers with basic information concerning issues of general interest. It does not purport to be comprehensive or to render legal advice. For advice about particular facts and legal issues, the reader should consult legal counsel.