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.
