Berlin Judiciary Faces Delays in Transition to Electronic Case Files

The transition to electronic case files within Berlin's judiciary system remains incomplete, despite longstanding efforts to digitize legal procedures across the city's courts. The initiative, intended to replace traditional paper-based methods with digital processes, has yet to reach full implementation, particularly within criminal court proceedings.

The introduction of electronic files, or e-files, is designed to streamline administrative workflows and reduce the physical handling and transportation of documents. However, several Berlin courts have not finished the migration to the new system. Specifically, criminal proceedings face notable challenges due to the volume and complexity of cases, the urgency often required, and the need to coordinate among multiple entities including courts, prosecution offices, and law enforcement agencies.

While most German federal states are aiming to complete the transition by the beginning of 2026, recent assessments indicate ongoing disparities in progress. Only one state, Saxony-Anhalt, has opted to utilize an extended deadline, lagging behind the national target for full implementation. Efforts to digitize Germany's judicial system have spanned nearly a decade, but progress has been hampered by fragmented IT infrastructures and a lack of standardized systems across jurisdictions. This fragmentation has resulted in additional administrative burdens during the adoption period, with the anticipated productivity gains from digital tools and artificial intelligence yet to be realized.

In Berlin, certain branches of the judiciary have made more substantial advancements. Both the administrative court and the higher administrative court completed their transitions to e-files in November 2024. Similarly, the city's social court, which is the largest of its kind in Germany, has fully adopted electronic files across all 208 chambers since May. Among general courts handling family and civil matters, over 250,000 case files have been digitized, and the system has demonstrated stable operation despite significant data volumes.

Overall, Berlin's judicial reform involves the conversion of twelve courts and impacts over 3,000 employees. The total cost of the project is estimated at approximately 41 million euros, with around 80 percent of the budget already allocated by September. Despite these investments, the transition is still ongoing, especially in areas where case complexity and high caseloads present additional obstacles.

The wider rollout of digital case management in Germany highlights the challenges of modernizing legacy systems within the public sector. While digitalization promises greater efficiency and improved case processing times, the reality in Berlin underscores the need for coordinated technical solutions and support for staff during the migration period. As the city continues its efforts to meet the national deadline, the evolution of e-file deployment will remain a key aspect of judicial reform and public administration modernization in Germany.