Lisbon calls for judicial ‘atlas’ on web

Date: 25/05/2000

By John Shelley

PORTUGAL has drawn up plans to set up an Internet-based 'atlas' of judicial authorities to boost Union-wide cooperation between national law courts.

The map would allow judges and prosecutors in member states to identify quickly who to turn to when they need documents or witnesses from abroad. "It would be mainly used during investigations of serious crimes like corruption or terrorism but I think the intention is it could also be used in other less serious cases as well," said an EU official.

The web-based atlas would give investigators instant access to details of the structure and breakdown of member states' judiciaries, together with details of all bodies' powers. Judges and prosecutors would be able to find out quickly whether they should direct queries to a central authority or, if not, where they should address their questions.

The atlas would also carry information on what channels should be used for sending requests, and the location and geographical area covered by each tier of the legal system.

Lisbon argues that by enabling investigators to identify whom to contact immediately, the map would save a vast amount of time and effort. It should also encourage authorities in different countries, which previously may have had little or no idea how to contact each other, to cooperate more.

If the plan is approved by EU governments, the atlas will be run by the European Judicial Network, a body created by member states in 1998 to increase cooperation between judiciaries by establishing 'liaison magistrates' in each country to act as a contact point for overseas inquiries.

Officials insist the plan is still very early stages of development and there is no time-table yet for implementing it. The proposal is due be considered by justice and home affairs ministers next week and then at a European Judicial Network meeting in June.

Portugal has drawn up plans to set up an Internet-based 'atlas' of judicial authorities to boost Union-wide cooperation between national law courts.