Cut-Copy-Paste

Prolific use of the ‘cut-copy-paste’ function should not become a substitute for substantive reasoning

Judicial Process - Judgment - A prolific use of the ‘cut-copy-paste’ function should not become a substitute for substantive reasoning which, in the ultimate analysis, is the defining feature of the judicial process. [Para 7]

Held, Cutting, copying and pasting from the judgment of the Tribunal, which is placed in issue before the High Court, may add to the volume of the judgment. The size of judicial output does not necessarily correlate to a reasoned analysis of the core issues in a case. Technology enables judges to bring speed, efficiency and accuracy to judicial work. But a prolific use of the ‘cut-copy-paste’ function should not become a substitute for substantive reasoning which, in the ultimate analysis, is the defining feature of the judicial process. Judges are indeed hard pressed for time, faced with burgeoning vacancies and large case-loads. Crisp reasoning is perhaps the answer.

(2021-2)201 PLR 42 = 2021 SCeJ 312 UNION PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION v. BIBHU PRASAD SARANGI

see Judicial Process, Judicial Review, Judicial Discipline