Court hearings via video are to be piloted this spring, starting with tax appeals.
HM Courts & Tribunals Service (HMCTS) said it was writing to potential participants this week to invite them to take part in the pilot. The video hearings will take place over the internet, with each participant logging in from a location of their choice, using a webcam and, for the purposes of the pilot, the judge located in the courtroom.
Parties may engage in private online conversations before the hearing, and the format and process of the hearing will be the same as in a physical courtroom, HMCTS said, and it will be up to the judge in each particular case to decide whether or not to use a video hearing. It added that it is working closely with the judiciary to ‘ensure the majesty of a physical courtroom will be upheld’.
Video technology is already used in criminal courts to allow some victims and witnesses to give evidence without having to come face to face with the accused. However, this pilot takes matters further, with all parties, including the judge, participating via video technology.
Under-Secretary of State at the Ministry of Justice Lucy Frazer, said: ‘We are spending £1bn on transforming and modernising the justice system. Video hearings have the potential to improve access to justice and speed up cases.’
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