Electronic filing completed statewide for MS courts

JANS – Mississippi courts marked a milestone recently with the completion of the statewide electronic filing and case management system.

Mississippi Electronic Courts, MEC (https://courts.ms.gov/mec/mec.php), is now operating in all 82 Circuit Courts and all 24 County Courts. All Chancery Courts were implemented into the MEC system as of June 19, 2023.

MEC Director Nathan Evans said, “The successful statewide implementation of the MEC system marks a historic milestone for the Mississippi Judiciary. With both appellate courts and all 188 Chancery, Circuit, and County Courts now operating on a single, centralized case management and e-filing system, we have taken a significant leap in efficiency, transparency, and access to justice for the public we serve.”

Mississippi Administrative Office of Courts Director Katharine Surkin said, “Having all courts on MEC will finally allow AOC to focus on data integrity. I commend Nathan and his team on completing this Herculean task.”

The MEC system is a comprehensive, internet-based document filing and case management system. Judges and attorneys have the capability to file and view documents 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Remote electronic access to dockets and documents promotes judicial efficiency. Documents are automatically docketed as part of the filing process and are immediately available electronically.

Circuit Court implementation was completed statewide on June 30, when Harrison County Circuit Court and Harrison County Court began using the system for criminal cases. Both courts have used MEC for civil filings since 2011. 

Harrison County Circuit Clerk Justin Wetzel said he was nervous about the transition. “I was nervous if all the data was going to convert properly. Everything has gone better than what I was expecting. Everything is working better than I thought it was going to go,” he said. “Change is always a little scary when you are used to operating out of a different system. I’m sure it’s going to make it easier and make it more accessible for the District Attorney’s office and public defenders. I think in the end it will be a very useful tool for all of the counties.”

Hinds County Chancellor Crystal Wise Martin said, “I’ll be the first to admit that I truly love my paper! But if the COVID-19 pandemic taught us anything, it’s that our courts must evolve to meet the moment. The MEC system has been instrumental in helping our legal system adapt, ensuring access to justice even in the most uncertain times.”

Hinds Chancery, Circuit civil, and County civil courts began using MEC in 2013. Criminal case e-filing was completed in 2019.

Judge Martin said, “MEC has brought efficiency, transparency, and convenience to court users across the state. For judges, it streamlines docket management, allowing instant access to hearing dates, case time lines, and recent filings. For attorneys, it’s dramatically reduced the need to travel to courthouses simply to file a motion or review a case file. Most documents can now be filed electronically within minutes, saving both time and resources. And for the public, MEC has opened the doors to information that was once buried in minute books and filing cabinets, bringing unprecedented access to court records.”