Any party can suggest to the court that a matter proceed as an eTrial, ideally before disclosure commences.
If the judge approves a matter to be conducted as an eTrial, the following steps may occur (depending on the circumstances and needs of each proceeding).
1. Scan and number documents
In line with Practice direction 2011/10, all disclosed documents are converted to an electronic format and numbered as multi-page, searchable PDFs as per the agreed document management protocol.
The numbering may be stamped on the first page of each document or a label may be attached. This numbering is confirmed at the pre-trial conference.
2. Complete document management spreadsheet
Parties download and complete the Document management spreadsheet (XLSX, 21.1 KB) and Pre-trial checklist (DOC, 2.2 MB), including the disclosed document metadata as per the agreed protocol (document ID, date, title, author, etc.).
Some document management systems allow parties to export this metadata from their document management systems as a .csv file or spreadsheet.
Submit all forms and files to the eTrials Registrar at etrials@courts.qld.gov.au.
3. Assess data integrity and finalise bundle
The eTrials Registrar assesses whether the document naming and numbering is consistent with the agreed document protocol, and confirms the agreed bundle with the parties.
The parties are then responsible for fixing any inconsistencies identified.
4. Upload documents to portal
Queensland Courts establishes a secure eCourtbook on the eTrials portal, and uploads the documents to this site.
The courts then advise parties to the proceeding, or their legal representatives if they are represented, that their access is available.
The eTrial Registrar also provides digital resources covering the eTrial process. These include guidance on managing documents during an eTrial, as well as how to prepare and upload documents to the Resolution Bundle on the eTrial site.
5. Update portal during the trial
Once the trial commences, the judge's associate is responsible for the eCourtbook data throughout the trial. Coordinate any changes or additional file uploads through the judge's associate.
6. Remove the eCourtbook
The eCourtbook established for the trial is removed after the judge hands down a decision and any relevant appeal periods expire.
If the matter is appealed, the Court of Appeal Registry usually uses the site to conduct the appeal electronically (an eAppeal). Contact the Court of Appeal Registrar for more information.
