Registrations Now Open: “Digitalisation of Justice: Perspectives From Germany and the Netherlands”

Key Takeaways

• German minister leads keynote on justice digitalisation.
• Panels cover private, civil, criminal, administrative law.
• Emerging scholars pitch AI‑driven research projects.
• Event free, fostering interdisciplinary networking.
• Focus on access to justice and rule of law.

Summary

A symposium on the digitalisation of justice will be held in Groningen on 29 May 2026, hosted by Dr. Benedikt Schmitz. The event features a keynote by Germany’s Justice Minister Benjamin Grimm and expert panels covering private international, civil, criminal, and administrative law. Emerging scholars will present AI‑focused research in elevator‑pitch sessions, and the free, in‑person conference encourages extensive networking. The programme aims to explore how AI and online proceedings reshape legal systems while safeguarding access to justice and procedural fairness.

Pulse Analysis

The European legal landscape is undergoing a rapid digital transformation, driven by advances in artificial intelligence, cloud‑based case management, and fully online courtrooms. Policymakers in Germany and the Netherlands have positioned themselves at the forefront of this shift, seeking to balance efficiency gains with safeguards for procedural fairness and the rule of law. As courts experiment with AI‑assisted adjudication and parties submit filings electronically, the need for shared standards and cross‑border cooperation becomes critical. This backdrop sets the stage for a timely scholarly exchange on the digitalisation of justice.

The Groningen symposium, organized by Dr. Benedikt Schmitz, convenes senior academics, judges, and emerging researchers to dissect these challenges. A keynote from Brandenburg’s Justice Minister Benjamin Grimm will outline Germany’s national roadmap, while four expert panels explore private international law, civil procedure, criminal procedure, and administrative law through a digital lens. Elevator‑pitch sessions give early‑career scholars a platform to showcase AI‑enabled research, from predictive sentencing models to blockchain‑based evidence handling. Free registration and a packed agenda of discussions, poster sessions, and networking aim to catalyse collaboration between legal scholars, technologists, and policymakers.

Outcomes from the event are likely to influence both public and private sector strategies. Law firms can anticipate new service models that integrate automated document review and virtual hearings, while legal‑tech vendors will gain insight into jurisdiction‑specific compliance requirements. For courts, the symposium’s emphasis on access to justice highlights the risk that digital tools could widen the gap for weaker parties if not carefully designed. By fostering dialogue between Germany and the Netherlands, the conference contributes to a broader European effort to create interoperable, transparent, and equitable digital justice systems.