In publishing case decisions, the content is already electronic since the judges type their decisions on computers. Thus, electronic filing is not a prerequisite to this form of legal publishing, as it would be to prepare all documents in a case file in electronic format. Publishing the case decisions on an Intranet is a partial step towards the ultimate goal of having an electronic case file. Internet technology used in a closed, secure Intranet environment allows for open and low cost collaboration between judges without the distractions of public Web sites. This means all the graphics and hyperlinks that make the Web an effective way to communicate are available but the audience is limited to designated members.
Access can include remote users, who use passwords and software to enter through firewalls.
The key advantages of Internet publishing are illustrated by Intranet applications, and so are a perfect way for courts to try out new media. Once the benefits of open networks are understood, a migration to electronic business transactions for internal court operations will permit greater efficiencies and cost savings. D. The Role of Electronic Filing in Promoting Legal Publishing Courts do not, as a matter of logic, have to start electronic court filing to publish their case decisions. The case opinions are in electronic format today and Web server space to publish them on is cheap. There are existing Intranets ready to use for publishing applications.