Tribunal studies

The programme of studies is set each year by the quality committee, after consulting users. Calls for contributions are sent to universities and law firms. The subjects chosen respond to a practical question: how to reduce time limits, make better use of appraisal, improve parity, regulate artificial intelligence?

Each study is proofread by two independent experts and submitted to the council's critique before publication.

The study on time limits shows that 62% of the time of a procedure is spent on the written phase, and that the timetable set at the first meeting is kept in 84% of cases. The study on appraisal recommends appointing the expert earlier and using standardised missions.

The study on technology analyses the use of remote hearings, electronic signatures and artificial intelligence in preparing files. It concludes that there are significant time savings, subject to confidentiality safeguards.

Several recommendations of the studies have been taken up in revisions of the Rules: binding procedural timetable, remote hearings, expedited procedure, transparency on appointments. Proposals not adopted are explained in the committee's reports.

The studies also give the parties benchmarks for preparing their file: usual durations, costs, success rates of certain arguments.

Next year's programme includes studies on the consolidation of proceedings, third-party funding of disputes, online mediation and disputes relating to digital assets linked to works of art. A working group is also considering the consequences of climate change for deposits and loans of works.

Users are invited to make their needs known: a study works better when it starts from a lived question.