Electronic Filing, Digital Signatures and Effective Access to Justice in Latvia: A Documented Procedural Case Study

Abstract This independent legal research paper examines the relationship between electronic filing, digital signatures, procedural formalities and effective access to justice in Latvia. The study analyses documented electronic communications involving the Zemgale District Court and Zemgale Regional Court in October 2026, with particular attention to civil case references 3-10/2049/43 and 3-10/2051/43. The documentary material raises questions concerning discrepancies between electronic delivery confirmations, court registration dates and the assessment of electronically signed procedural documents. The analysis considers Article 6(1) of the European Convention on Human Rights, Article 47 of the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union, and Regulation (EU) No 910/2014 (eIDAS), subject to their respective conditions of applicability. The paper argues that transparent electronic audit trails, verifiable signature assessments, proportionate procedural requirements and reasoned judicial decisions are essential safeguards for effective access to justice. Research contribution: The study identifies specific documentary discrepancies requiring verification and proposes a practical framework for examining electronic court submissions. Research limitations: This is an independent, case-based legal analysis. It does not establish judicial misconduct, independently validate the electronic signatures or constitute a judicial finding. The conclusions remain subject to verification against the original electronic records and complete procedural case files. Keywords: Access to Justice; Latvia; Judicial Digitalisation; Electronic Filing; Digital Signatures; eIDAS; European Convention on Human Rights; Procedural Fairness; Rule of Law; Electronic Evidence.