The Future of Legal Systems Post- Coronavirus

As the world delves deeper into the days of the global crisis arising from an invisible virus, many functions in the governments are in distress. Many countries have shut down their borders denying entry to literally anybody. In jurisdictions across the globe, many court activities have been suspended, while some are being carried out virtually.

There is uncertainty and fear at all layers of society. Some fear that they will not have food to put on the table, while others fear that there will be a shortage of food supplies or that they will fall sick. The days ahead are uncertain, and it is becoming more and more difficult to foresee what lies ahead. Social values have shattered. It seems clear that we, as the world, will go through major changes and it is up to us, individuals living on this planet we call home to establish a constructive and positive new world.

The legal systems play an integral role in shaping society and values. One important lesson of this coronavirus is that we have learned that we are interconnected. Moreover, we have learned that we do not want to live in isolation detached from the rest of humanity. Therefore, we must build our values on connection to the better.

The foundation of legal systems was based on safeguarding justice, while resolving disputes. Parties were filing lawsuits seeking justice. But were parties really seeking justice or were they trying to win at the cost of anybody and anything? Were they even thinking of the other or did they even care that the other was harmed? Were lawsuits fueling even more disparity and division that had come to a peak level?

As we are in the midst of turmoil, the time has come to assess how we as a global society want to shape the world. The legal community has a say in how the legal systems will shape. We as judges, prosecutors, attorneys, arbitrators and mediators can help reshape the legal systems and thus, society. Let us use these new profound values of interconnectedness and “being in this together” to shape the foundation of dispute resolution. Let us promote values where the parties can feel that they cannot win on the expense of anybody. Let us help parties reach profound amicable solutions. We are the “light” that can help the world sustain the interconnectedness feeling, so that next time, we as humanity will not fail.