In this new issue of the International Journal for Court Administration, a constellation of erudite contributions coalesces around a central tenet: innovation remains an essential ally of justice, yet it must be tempered by vigilance lest it undermine the very foundations it seeks to strengthen.
Professional Article
We begin our journey with Moustafa’s Elmetwaly Kandeel’s rigorous analysis of Electronic Judicial Litigation Procedures before the UAE Civil Courts. This work examines the legislative reforms encapsulated in Civil Procedures act N° 42 of 2022, offering a meticulous appraisal of the innovations and their adequacy in safeguarding litigation guarantees. The proposed amendments to Article 44 stands as a clarion call for balancing efficiency with procedural fairness, an equilibrium every judiciary must strive to achieve.
Academic Articles
Bidhya Chapagain’s study on Judicial Trust in the Nepali judicial system masterfully bridges the demand and supply sides of justice. Through qualitative interviews, the applied research illuminates the trust deficit that imperils judicial legitimacy. It is a reminder that transparency, accessibility and independence are not mere aspirations but prerequisites for the enduring covenant between the judiciary and the people.
From Brazil, Livia Lucia Oliveira Borba, Fabricio Castagna Lunardi, and Tomas de Aquino Guimaraes explore The Influence of Judges’ Managerial Competences on Judicial Performance. By statistically correlating managerial competences – such as leadership, process management, and performance monitoring – with judicial outcomes, this piece enriches the literature on competency-based court administration, signalling that judicial excellence is as much about governance as it is about jurisprudence.
Also compelling is the contribution from Kenya by Alex Kankogo Kandie, Edwin Benson Attiwa, and Wesley Nyaluke, Perspectives on Judicial Efficiency: Case Study of Predictive Modelling in Kenyan High Courts. By applying survival analysis to an extensive dataset, the authors offer an empirical compass for tackling case backlogs, thereby underscoring how data-driven insights can fortify the constitutional promise of timely justice.
Mustapher Mohamed Siyani’s examination of the Case Management System in the High Court of Tanzania identifies critical deficiencies, notably the absence of consistent judicial supervision over proceedings. The findings provide a valuable framework for jurisdictions worldwide seeking to refine their case management protocols.
Finally, the article authored by Laura Tammenlehto et al. on the Reform of the Finish Court Fees Act serves both as a policy assessment and a cautionary tale. Whilst the reform achieved fiscal objectives, it inadvertently constrained access to justice, reminding us that economic rationalisation must never eclipse the judiciary’s societal function, and that efficiency comes second to quality.
Book Review
Judge Samuel A. Thumma’s review of Judges, Judging, and Judgment: Character, Wisdom, and Humility in a Polarized World by Chad M. Oldfather, is itself a scholarly gem. The author’s emphasis on intellectual humility, practical wisdom and character resonates deeply with our age. The work is a timely reaffirmation that judicial excellence is measured not solely by legal acumen but by the moral compass that guides it.
The Unifying Thread: Quality and Efficiency in the Administration of Justice
Across these contributions lies a unifying thread: the pursuit of efficiency as an ethical imperative. Whether through legislative reform, managerial competency, predictive analytics, or procedural refinement, each piece affirms that efficiency is not antithetical to justice – it is its ally when wedded to quality, represented by fairness, transparency, and accessibility.
Tribute to Dr Gar Yein Ng
With this issue, we mark an important transition in our editorial journey. After six years, Dr. Gar Yein Ng, currently Senior Lecturer in Law at the University of Buckingham, steps down from her role as IJCA Co-Managing Editor. We take this occasion to express our profound gratitude to Dr Gar Yein Ng, whose tenure as Co-Managing Editor has been distinguished by sagacity, dedication, and a steadfast commitment to scholarly rigour. Dr. Ng’s vision and her tireless dedication have profoundly shaped the identity and direction of the Journal. Her service has been nothing short of exemplary, and it will continue to inspire the Journal’s future endeavours.
Over the last decade, the journal has experienced a remarkable period of consolidation, expanding its reach and significantly enhancing its scientific and cultural appeal. The steady increase in submissions – more than doubling in the past five years only – stands as a tangible sign of its vitality and of the growing trust it inspires within the community of readers and authors alike. This trajectory owes much to the passionate and forward-looking guidance of Dr. Ng, who played a pivotal role in strengthening the journal’s governance and outreach, while devoting constant attention to the quality of outcomes and the integrity of the editorial process – factors that have been crucial in consolidating the reputation of the journal.
We are very pleased that Dr. Ng will continue the collaboration with the journal, being part of the Editorial Team.
Welcoming a New Co-Manging Editor
At the same time, we are pleased to welcome Dr. Rosanna Amato as the new co-managing editor. Together with Dr. Elena Alina Ontanu, whose longstanding role ensures continuity in the journal’s direction, Dr Amato will seek to build on the solid foundations laid by her predecessor and contribute with her own perspective and commitment to the continued growth of the International Journal for Court Administration.
The Road to Dubai: IACA’s 2025 International Conference
Looking ahead, we extend a most cordial invitation to the upcoming Conference of the International Association for Court Administration (IACA), to be held in Dubai from 16th to 19th November 2025. With the theme “Global Perspectives on Court Administration”, this forum promises a distinguished programme addressing innovation, judicial independence, digital transformation, access to justice, and the ever-evolving role of court leaders. The agenda, available at www.iaca.ws, offers a feast of intellectual and practical engagement and an unparalleled opportunity to renew professional camaraderie in a city that epitomises modern dynamism.
Conclusion
As you, dear reader, engage with the richness of this issue, you may be inspired by the erudition and the spirit of service that animate each contribution. Let us embrace innovation as a companion to justice – ever vigilant that its course remains true to the principles of fairness, dignity, and integrity.
Competing Interests
The authors have no competing interests to declare.