THE SUPREME Court is considering computerizing the Bar Examinations to do away with handwritten answers.

A bulletin issued by Associate Justice Marvic Leonen, the Bar chairman for 2020-2021, said an En Banc resolution was issued on the possibility of ‘computerizing’ the Bar Examinations under a local and proctored setting.

Leonen said this would ease concerns on handwriting which he admitted ‘distorted the playing field’ against those with poor penmanship.

A computerized exam would also hasten the process of checking of the examinees’ answers and pave the way for the early release of the test results.

The tribunal will hold two mock examinations in several law schools to test the feasibility of a computerized system.

The court will decide on the appropriate modality for the exams based on the results of the mock exams.

In the same bulletin, Leonen said that the court will create a Committee of Bar Examiners composed of three members who will handle different Bar subjects.

This action was taken because of the increase in the number of examinees next year. The formation of the committee would maximize efficiency in the formulation of questions and evaluation of answers and at the same time ensure a ‘judicious and quality-made’ exam.

“These innovations reflect the Court’s leap toward a more inclusive and fair admission to the practice of law,” Leonen said.

“Such measures are not only necessary but also inescapable consequences of our current demands,” he added.