Between Silos and Networks:  Digital Infrastructures    and Reconfiguration of Expertise in the Belgian Justice System

Pelssers, Lisa

doi:10.35295/osls.iisl.2341

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Between Silos and Networks: Digital Infrastructures and Reconfiguration of Expertise in the Belgian Justice System

Pelssers, Lisa

2025 • In Oñati Socio-Legal Series

Peer Reviewed verified by ORBi

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https://hdl.handle.net/2268/336178

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10.35295/osls.iisl.2341

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Keywords :

Digital infrastructures; networks of expertise; ANT; boundary work; protective connectedness; public sector supply chain

Abstract :

[en] This article investigates how the introduction of the Mammoet at Central Hosting (MaCH) digital case-management system reshapes expertise within the Belgian road traffic criminal justice supply chain. Conceptualizing the supply chain as a multi-level network comprising interconnected yet institutionally distinct actors, the study draws on Actor-Network Theory (ANT) and boundary work perspectives. It employs a qualitative, multi-case approach to analyze how MaCH mediates professional practices among judges, prosecutors, clerks, and technologists. Findings reveal that MaCH significantly streamlines administrative tasks before and after court hearings, redistributing responsibilities and prompting shifts in professional expertise boundaries. Judicial professionals strategically adopt a "protective connectedness" approach, balancing collaboration with boundary protection to preserve core expertise and maintain control over critical decision-making processes. Ultimately, the article contributes to understanding digitalization’s complex role in reconfiguring professional expertise in supply chain judicial contexts.

Research Center/Unit :

IRSS-CRIS - Institut de recherches en Sciences Sociales. Centre de Recherche et d'Interventions Sociologiques - ULiège

Disciplines :

Sociology & social sciences

Author, co-author :

Pelssers, Lisa ; Université de Liège - ULiège > Institut de recherche en Sciences Sociales (IRSS)

Language :

English

Title :

Between Silos and Networks: Digital Infrastructures and Reconfiguration of Expertise in the Belgian Justice System

Publication date :

22 September 2025

Journal title :

Oñati Socio-Legal Series

eISSN :

2079-5971

Publisher :

Onati International Institute for the Sociology of Law

Peer reviewed :

Peer Reviewed verified by ORBi

Additional URL :

https://opo.iisj.net/index.php/osls/article/download/2341/2593

Funders :

F.R.S.-FNRS - Fonds de la Recherche Scientifique

Available on ORBi :

since 23 September 2025

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