More businesses and corporations are storing their most confidential, private, and personal information on computers. It is estimated that 20 to 30 percent of information stored electronically is never printed. It has evolved into an invaluable business tool, and today most lawyers and businesses use some type of e-mail system. One of the more interesting applications of this phenomenon is the advent of electronic court filing. Perhaps the two greatest advantages to using an electronic filing system are speed and cost.
Electronic filing allows unique advantages over traditional filing.
Electronic documents are more permanent than paper documents. Electronic filing allows instantaneous filing from remote locations. In addition, access to electronic documents and computer databases provides valuable sources of information. As courts look to electronic filing as a method of organizing and controlling litigation, large document databases will replace courthouse file rooms. The creation of the necessary electronic systems for such a virtual file room is an arduous task.