National Brazilian Judicial Database-DataJud: transparency and better administration of justice

Abstract

The use of data about judicial procedures is crucial to improve the overall administration of justice, define strategies for justice institutions, promote transparency, broaden access, and enhance confidence in the justice system. Nevertheless, data collected worldwide has been sparse and inconsistent as most countries have been late to start steadily adopting information technology in the Justice System. Brazil is an exception, as the country has been collecting digital judicial data systematically since 2009. Despite its enormous geographical and population dimensions and its heterogeneity of legal systems among the states, Brazil managed to develop and implement the National Database of the Brazilian Judiciary (DataJud) as a result of 15 years of studies and experience coordinated by the National Council of Justice (CNJ) and with the participation of the Brazilian Judiciary actors. The paper presents DataJud, the main previous events that favoured its creation, its characteristics, and two results and firsts benefit of the platform: Dashboard of Statistics of the Judiciary and Dashboard of Major Litigants.