Legal Security in the Digital Age: Navigating the Challenges of Electronic Trials and the Transformation of Justice

Abstract

The rapid digitalization of society has irrevocably transformed the administration of justice, a process dramatically accelerated by the global COVID-19 pandemic. The transition from physical courtrooms to virtual proceedings and from paper-based records to digital files promises enhanced efficiency, accessibility, and transparency. However, this seismic shift concurrently introduces profound challenges to the foundational principle of legal security. This article examines the complex interplay between digital innovation and the stability of legal rights. It analyzes the multifaceted challenges posed by electronic trials, the admissibility of digital evidence, the digital divide, and cybersecurity threats to judicial systems. The central thesis argues that while technological adoption is inevitable and offers significant benefits, it must be guided by a robust legal and ethical framework to preserve due process, ensure equitable access to justice, and maintain public trust in the rule of law. The article concludes by proposing a multi-pronged strategy for balancing innovation with the safeguarding of fundamental rights, advocating for a human-centric approach to the future of digital justice that reinforces, rather than erodes, legal security.