How to Strengthen Trust in Digital Transformation of the Court Systems? Experience from China

In the 21st century, digitalization has emerged as a promi nent and transformative force, reshaping nearly every as pect of modern life. The wave of digital transformation has significantly impacted judicial systems globally, with China leading this shift through the implementation of what is re ferred to as ‘smart justice’. This transition involves the inte gration of digital technologies into traditional judicial prac tices. While technologies offer clear benefits, including im proved efficiency, transparency and accessibility, they also introduce complexities that challenge judicial trust. Trust is the foundation of any effective judicial system, and in the context of smart justice, rebuilding trust through responsible digital innovation is essential. This article categorizes the issue of trust within judicial systems by examining it through three dimensions: cognitive trust, affective trust and trust belief. It analyses the origins of the current trust challenges from these perspectives and identifies key pathways for im provement in China. Chinese courts and legal scholars have actively engaged with these challenges by exploring diverse strategies to ensure that technological adoption enhances, rather than erodes, public trust. This article critically evalu ates these institutional responses and situates them within broader global discussions about digital justice. It argues that while China’s model maynot be universally replicable due to political and legal particularities, it offers valuable insights into how digital transformation can be harnessed to support trust in judicial institutions. These lessons are espe cially relevant for other jurisdictions navigating similar digi tal reforms while seeking to uphold the foundational values of fairness, accountability and public trust.