About VCJN

Since the COVID-19 pandemic the use of communication technology and digital means in criminal courtrooms around the world has increased considerably: e.g. video-links, AI, e-evidence, zoom trials and even VR courtrooms. Criminal justice systems are now facing fundamental questions: how does technology change traditional concepts of trial, such as participation, and how to properly integrate technological advances into criminal justice? Understanding the use of technology in criminal proceedings calls for a multidisciplinary approach. It is for this reason that the Virtual Criminal Justice Network has been set up.

The Virtual Criminal Justice Network is an interdisciplinary hub of 150 researchers from fields such as criminal law, sociology, psychology, criminology and language communication to research the use of digital means in criminal proceedings. It aims at developing interdisciplinary research, exchanging ideas and bringing together experts from various disciplines.

The network was launched in Maastricht during the Symposium on Virtual Criminal Trials in June 2023 as the collaboration of Maastricht University, Tilburg University, Sydney University and Lund University.

Mission
 

The mission of the Virtual Criminal Justice Network is to foster interdisciplinary research and dialogue on the use of communication technologies and digital means in criminal proceedings. By connecting scholars from different disciplines and jurisdictions, the Network seeks to advance understanding of how digital technologies affect criminal justice processes and to support critical reflection on their implications for participation, fairness, and the functioning of criminal trials.

Activities
 

To achieve its mission, the Virtual Criminal Justice Network undertakes a range of activities, including the organisation of academic events, the development of common research projects, and the production of joint publications. In addition, the Network functions as a networking platform on Linkedin that brings together experts from different disciplines, with the aim of strengthening collaboration and fostering interdisciplinary exchange on the use of digital means in criminal proceedings. If you wish to get involved click here!