Emerging technologies used in the process of digital transformation in the judiciary

Purpose This study aims to identify, classify and discuss the digital technologies currently supporting the digital transformation of judicial systems worldwide, highlighting their benefits, risks and implementation trends. Design/methodology/approach A systematic literature review (SLR) was carried out following the PRISMA protocol and a PICO-based research question. Searches in Web of Science (n = 66) and Scopus (n = 65) (2016–2025) retrieved 131 records; after duplicate removal, screening and eligibility assessment, 41 peer-reviewed articles and 25 items of gray literature formed the final portfolio. Thematic analysis was then applied to map technologies and derive an analytical taxonomy. Findings The review catalogued 36 discrete technologies adopted in more than 40 countries and grouped them into four categories: online platforms, applications and case-management software, big-data infrastructures and artificial-intelligence, robot and blockchain solutions. Reported benefits include increased procedural speed, cost reduction, transparency and broader access to justice. Key challenges involve cybersecurity threats, algorithmic bias, inadequate regulatory frameworks and the digital divide accentuated by the COVID-19 acceleration of e-Justice. Research limitations/implications The review is confined to publications in English, two databases and the 2016–2025 period; empirical impact evaluations remain scarce. Future research should expand database coverage, incorporate non-English studies and conduct longitudinal assessments of technological, ethical and social outcomes. Practical implications By consolidating global experience and good practices, this study offers courts, policymakers and technology providers a reference taxonomy to guide adoption strategies, risk mitigation and capacity-building aligned with initiatives such as Brazil’s Justiça 4.0. Originality/value This paper contributes to addressing the scarcity in Brazilian and international scholarship by delivering the first systematic, evidence-based panorama of digital judicial technologies, clarifying their diffusion stage and articulating a research agenda for more inclusive and accountable digital justice.