Question
Should electronic signatures be accepted for all standard civil and criminal court filings, except in narrowly defined circumstances?
Background
Some courts still require wet signatures on many forms, creating delays and logistical hurdles, especially for self-represented litigants. Expanding e-signature use could modernize the system but raises questions about authentication and fraud prevention.
Options
- Allow electronic signatures for all standard filings statewide.
- Allow e-signatures for civil matters only, keeping stricter rules for criminal cases.
- Leave signature rules to each local court’s discretion.
- Maintain current wet-signature requirements.