Participants still have the right to request a face-to-face hearing
The UK Ministry of Justice has announced the launch of a pilot to deploy technology enabling the digital transfer of court cases so that judges across the country can preside over remote hearings even from hundreds of miles away.
According to the justice ministry’s press release, the roll-out of the technology adheres to recent guidance from Sue Carr, lady chief justice of England and Wales.
“This transformational pilot harnesses the power of technology to connect courts across the country, making better use of resources and changing how justice is delivered for victims,” said Sarah Sackman, minister of state for courts and legal services at the justice ministry, in the press release.
The justice ministry noted that any future expansion of this initiative will be subject to evaluation and judicial approval.
Pilot’s objectives
According to the justice ministry, the reforms aim to help:
- Move proceedings forward without court users – judges, parties, lawyers, staff, and witnesses – having to attend personally
- Adopt a more modern, efficient, and resilient court system suited to the digital age
- Hear cases sooner
- Reallocate resources
- Address increasing court backlogs
- Deliver faster and fairer justice for victims
- Reduce delays
“The criminal justice system we inherited was on the brink of collapse,” Sackman said in the press release. “Hearings were cancelled at the last minute and victims have faced unacceptable delays.”
More on remote hearings
According to the justice ministry, tens of thousands of remote and hybrid hearings already occur across England and Wales each month. The ministry shared that it continues to invest in video technology for more accessible remote hearings and for better support for vulnerable witnesses.
The justice ministry explained that cases heard remotely can still respect the principles of fairness, access to justice, and open justice when accompanied by the appropriate safeguards. The ministry clarified that participants retain the right to request a face-to-face hearing.
Other changes in the works
According to the justice ministry’s press release, the UK government plans to amend the Courts and Tribunals Bill to remove proposals to limit jury trials, such that juries will keep hearing nearly all cases before the Crown Court.
Moreover, pursuant to new arrangements, the UK’s National Police Chiefs’ Council and Crown Prosecution Service will work to expand the use of live video links for evidence from police witnesses.
More United Kingdom law news
Here are some other recent international news stories involving the UK.
According to the “Access to justice: the view from the Bar” report, newly released by the Bar Council of England and Wales, some barristers surveyed said they were “ashamed” of the state of the justice system.
Pinsent Masons announced the election of Richard Griffiths – UK-based global head of the property group and former head of the planning and environment practice – as the firm’s managing partner, succeeding Laura Cameron in the position as of Nov. 1.
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