The Online Procedure Rule Committee (OPRC) has announced plans to introduce a voluntary code of practice aimed at supporting the responsible development of the UK’s digital justice system, with the ethical use of artificial intelligence (AI) forming a key part of the initiative.
Established under the Judicial Review and Courts Act 2022, the OPRC is responsible for overseeing procedural rules governing online proceedings across the civil, family, and tribunal jurisdictions. The committee, chaired by the Master of the Rolls, has outlined its future priorities in a newly published statement focusing on the continued modernisation of court processes.
According to the committee, the proposed code of practice is intended to promote a digital justice system that is accessible, user-friendly, and capable of delivering faster and more transparent outcomes while maintaining public confidence in the administration of justice.
The voluntary framework will include guidance on accessibility and inclusion, technology and data standards, and the responsible use of artificial intelligence. The committee hopes that these principles will be adopted by organisations involved in delivering digital justice services, including providers supporting early dispute resolution.
By establishing common standards, the OPRC aims to encourage the development of digital services that better support vulnerable users, improve compatibility between different justice platforms, and facilitate quicker and fairer resolution of disputes.
Alongside the announcement, the committee confirmed that its core procedural rules have now been approved and laid before Parliament as The Online Procedure (Rules and Practice Directions) Rules 2026. These new rules are scheduled to come into force on 7 September 2026.
The committee also revealed that the first detailed procedural rules developed under the new framework will relate to property possession proceedings, with further rules expected to be introduced later this year.
The initiative represents another significant step in the ongoing digital transformation of the justice system, reflecting the increasing role of technology and AI in legal processes while emphasising the importance of transparency, accessibility, and public trust.
