We are preparing an edited volume that examines how digitalisation impacts courts and dispute
resolution, striking a balance between efficiency and fairness (e.g., remote trials and body
language cues). We welcome topics within Private International Law, Civil Procedure, Criminal
Procedure, and Administrative Procedure. Dutch and German perspectives are central;
European angles are also welcome if they discuss how national law is impacted.
Final chapters will have to be submitted by 30 June 2026, after which a peer review will take
place. The edited volume will be published by Springer Nature in the first half of 2027.
What we invite
A chapter-length contribution (original, unpublished) on any facet of the digitalisation of justice –
conceptual, doctrinal, empirical, comparative, or policy-oriented. The book publication will be
preceded by the symposium ‘Digitalisation of Justice’: Perspectives from Germany and the
Netherlands, taking place on 29 May 2026 in Groningen, the Netherlands. This symposium
provides a platform for renowned scholars to present their research into the digitalisation of
justice. It therefore does not focus on specific topics, but leaves it up to the speakers to identify
important aspects. Attendance at the symposium is welcome but not required; this invitation is
independent of conference presentations.
Length & style
8,000-10,000 words (including footnotes). A style sheet will be provided upon acceptance.
Proposal
Please email (with the subject line ‘Call for Chapters’) a single PDF containing:
- Working title and a 250-400 word chapter synopsis
- Short author bio (≤100 words) and affiliation
- Any potential rights/permissions issues (if applicable)
to Dr. Benedikt Schmitz at digitalisation@weakerparties.eu no later than 9 November 2025.
Timetable
- Deadline for the Chapter proposal: 9 November 2025
- Decision/commissioning: 16 November 2025
- Full chapter due: 30 June 2026
- Editorial/peer review: July – mid September 2026
- Revised chapter due: 1 November 2026
Review & quality
Submissions will undergo editorial screening and external peer review focused on originality,
methodological clarity, engagement with practice/policy, and fit within the volume’s balance of
Dutch/German perspectives and broader European/international relevance.
Ethics, transparency & rights
Chapters must be original and not under consideration elsewhere. Authors are responsible for
third-party permissions (figures/data). Please disclose ethics approvals where relevant and note
any use of generative tools.
Questions?
If you have any questions, do not hesitate to contact the editor Dr. Benedikt Schmitz (Assistant
Professor of Private International Law and Comparative Contract Law, University of Groningen)
at digitalisation@weakerparties.eu.