Digital Uses by Canadian Courts: A Case Study

ABSTRACT This article explores the adoption of social media by judicial institutions, focusing on Quebec courts and the Supreme Court of Canada. While digital platforms offer opportunities to enhance transparency, disseminate reliable information, and build public trust, their use by courts remains limited. An empirical study (2018–2021) reveals that all courts maintain websites, but only six of eleven use Twitter, and two are active on Facebook. These platforms primarily serve legal professionals and litigants, with little content aimed at the general public. The courts’ cautious approach stems from resource constraints and tensions between judicial independence and the interactive nature of social media. Rather than fostering engagement, courts predominantly use these platforms for unidirectional communication. The study underscores the need for more participatory strategies to align with social media’s potential. Future research should examine audience demographics, communication goals, and how digital strategies impact public engagement and trust in the judiciary.

KEYWORDS Judicial institutions – Social media – Digital communication – Public trust – Judicial independence

TABLE OF CONTENTS 1. Introduction. – 2. The objectives and challenges of social media use by the courts. – 2.1. Disseminating information to the public. – 2.2 Ensuring the validity and reliability of information. – 2.3. Improving transparency. – 2.4. Increasing trust in the judiciary. – 3. The case of Quebec courts. – 3.1. Methodology. – 3.2. Internet presence (website). – 3.3. Facebook presence. – 3.4. Presence on X (Twitter). – 4. Discussion: an emerging online presence, but with variable geometry. – 4.1. Emerging uses and content aimed at professional audiences. – 4.2. Tension between judicial independence and public participation. – 5. Conclusion