May 25, 2003
Guam Supreme Court, First in the Nation
Guam Supreme Court has become the first court system in the nation to use an Open Source software solution (OpenEFM) to offer electronic filing to its constituents. By replacing the traditional method of accepting filings, e-filing improves court and law firm efficiency by allowing the electronic delivery of copies through a secure Web site. Documents are stored electronically, providing instant accessibility to all case parties as well as judges and clerks. Judges using this technology are also able to send orders as well as render decisions directly from their computers.
"Guam is setting the standard by bringing much needed changes to an antiquated, manual system." said Derrick Muna Quinata the project leader for this project. "We've been very mindful in our approach to implementing electronic filing in Guam and through our partnership with counterclaim, we have created a solution that benefits everyone, including the court, the Bar and the public - with no additional cost to the taxpayer."
The Honorable Philip Carbullido, Chief Justice with the Guam Supreme Court has been instrumental in his support of e-filing and in the push for technological advancements in Guam's courts. "The implementation of e-filing is a significant milestone in the Island's continuing efforts to bring technological advancements that benefit its citizens," said Justice Carbullido. "This launch is a major step toward achieving a Island wide system for filing electronically in all Guam Courts and it signals our increasing commitment to better serve the needs of Guam citizens and their attorneys."
"Guam’s e-filing initiative using and Open Source solution is unprecedented and the opportunities this creates for the Island and its court system are endless," said Thomas W. Hemphill, chairman of the board of counterclaim. "Electronic filing significantly increases functionality in Guam's legal community, and we are working aggressively to bring this capability to many other courts throughout the nation."
