Fully-video court hearings for domestic abuse cases are being piloted at Manchester and Birmingham Civil Justice Centres.
While video technology is used widely in courts, it usually links just one person into a physical courtroom. With fully video hearings, all parties appear by video. Vulnerable people can appear before the court using a video link from a computer in their solicitor’s office, saving them the distress of appearing in court at what is likely to be a traumatic time.
Six cases have proceeded in this way so far, with positive feedback, according to solicitor general Lucy Frazer.
Two law firms are involved in the Manchester part of the pilot, and have used their own equipment, with no need to purchase a special kit.
Testing will continue during the coming months and is being independently evaluated.
Jane Campbell, partner at Makin Dixon, who is representing a female client, said: ‘Accessing the hearing has made a real difference to our client, she was a referral from victim support who commented how convenient it was for the client.
‘The victim was too scared to go home last night and doing this over video has really made a positive impact. The video hearing has the gravitas of a court room. The interview suite is set up with all the necessary tools to swear in a witness and the client gets to see the judge and observe the process.’
The current pilot follows successful trials and evaluation in the tax tribunal. Those taking part in the pilot must have legal representation.
