A Modern Approach to Litigation

Federal Court of Australia Encourages Use of Technology in Proceedings

The Federal Court of Australia has revised its practice on the use of technology in the management of discovery and the conduct of litigation. The Chief Justice of the Federal Court of Australia has issued Revised Practice Note No 17, effective from 29 January 2009, which applies to any proceeding where the Court has ordered electronic discovery or that a hearing be conducted using electronic documents.

The Practice Note provides guidance on the use of electronic documents in proceedings before the Federal Court, including a document management protocol a checklist of matters for consideration by the parties. The aim of the Practice Note is to encourage and facilitate the effective use of technology in proceedings before the Court.

In addition, the Court has designated 'e-Registrars', who are available to assist parties and practitioners with queries they may have regarding the new Practice Note.

For further information, refer to the Revised Practice Note No 17 on the web site of the Federal Court of Australia:

http://www.fedcourt.gov.au/how/practice_notes_cj17.htm