In a detailed 32-page note, Mr Justice MacDonald said the short timescale meant it would not be possible to select a single software platform to be used. Skype for Business, Zoom and telephone conferencing have all been successfully used for remote hearings.
For example, MacDonald J said, ‘Using Skype for Business, Mostyn J was able to complete, remotely, a final hearing involving five parties, taking evidence from eleven witnesses, including evidence from four expert witnesses (two of whom connected to the Windows based Skype for Business using their Macs), and to conduct the hearing in the presence of the press, who were able to attend remotely and report it to the public. The feedback from those involved has been universally positive.’
His note, ‘The remote access family court’, explains the characteristics of each of the video platforms, as well as the statutory basis of remote hearings, rules of procedure, e-bundles, interpreters, transparency, witnesses, legal aid, recording and other vital information.
.tmb-mov69x69.jpg?sfvrsn=e3c4b2f1_1)
