Remote trials – here to stay?
With cross-country travel and in person gatherings largely prohibited due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the Courts are using remote or virtual trials to ensure the justice system ticks along.
With cross-country travel and in person gatherings largely prohibited due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the Courts are using remote or virtual trials to ensure the justice system ticks along.
Trial bundles are prepared electronically rather than on paper, everyone involved joins a virtual platform and the trial begins. However there is no standing when the Judge enters, “you’re on mute” will be declared dozens of times, the body language of witnesses is lost and even the strongest of internet connections will drop at some point.
If the trial consists of solely legal submissions from Counsel then it works well; everyone hears the submissions and other than the grandeur of the courtroom, little is lost. However if witnesses or experts are involved, directing them to the correct page of one of multiple large pdf bundles using their home broadband can be difficult, body language is lost and the art of cross-examination becomes clunky.
Now that the Courts know remote trials can work, they could be used in appropriate cases post-Covid to help keep the Courts’ workloads under control. It is just to be hoped that convenience and time-saving do not overrule the importance of witnesses and/or experts giving evidence in person.
If you have a trial coming up or have any questions about a remote trial or hearing, please do get in touch.
Contact
Mark Hickson
Head of Business Development
onlineteaminbox@brownejacobson.com
+44 (0)370 270 6000
Related expertise
You may be interested in...
On-Demand
Nuclear PSG webinar: Conflict avoidance on major projects
Legal Update
Ireland’s first Consumer Representative Action issued in the High Court
Legal Update
Navigating the streets: The legal landscape of low traffic neighbourhoods
Press Release - Firm news
Browne Jacobson appoints Bernhard Maier as Head of Arbitration
Legal Update
Case analysis: Enforceability of MOUs in commercial transactions
Legal Update
Sweetened dispute: The VAT battle over Mega Marshmallows
Press Release - Firm news
Browne Jacobson expands international disputes offering with new Head of Commercial Dispute Resolution in London
Legal Update
Rukhadze and others v Recovery Partners GP Ltd: Fiduciary duties and the duty to account for profits
Legal Update
Recent developments: Awards of non-material damages under the GDPR
Opinion
Awaab’s Law to take effect from October 2025
Opinion
Respect Orders: Will they actually make a difference?
Legal Update
“Lost Years” compensation principle reaches the supreme court
Press Release
Browne Jacobson appointed to Serco Group plc legal services panel
Legal Update
Dry January 2025: Legal considerations for manufacturers, hospitality and retailers
Legal Update
Insolvencies and claims under Third Parties (Rights Against Insurers) Act 2010
Opinion
Can an employee complain too much?
Training
Mock inquest training course
Published Article
Johnson et al v FirstRand Bank: Judgment sends warning across financial services intermediation
Legal Update
Manchester Ship Canal Co Ltd v United Utilities Water Ltd: Opening the floodgates to mass litigation?
Legal Update
Know your dispute resolution clauses: Key take-aways from Kajima v Children’s Ark and Lancashire Schools v Lendlease
Opinion
Law Commission initial consultation published on reforming Part 2 of the Landlord and Tenant Act 1954
Legal Update
EasyGroup proceedings defeated by jurisdictional challenge
Legal Update
New amendments to the Civil Procedure Rules and their impact
Legal Update - Procurement Act
Modification of contracts existing before the go-live date of the Procurement Act 2023
Legal Update - Procurement Act
Decisions of the Independent Patient Choice and Procurement Panel
Opinion
Publication of The Renters’ Rights Bill: Major changes to the private rented sector are on their way
Legal Update
Motor finance complaints on hold: Why now is the time for strategic action
Legal Update - Procurement Act
Contract management and performance
Legal Update
Extended s20 voluntary care isn’t always a breach of human rights
Legal Update
Alternative dispute resolution: The future of ADR in the UK legal system
Opinion
Settling future claims: Insights from Clifford v IBM 2024
Opinion
New online system streamlines maternity services at The University Hospitals of Derby and Burton NHS Foundation Trust
Legal Update - Building Safety Act
Case update: Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Homes and Communities v Grey GR Limited Partnership
Legal Update
Commercial contracts: Top tips before signing on the dotted line
On-Demand - Shared Insights
Duty of Candour review: Submission to the Department of Health and Social Care
Published Article
English Commercial Court rules against Russian exclusive jurisdiction clauses
Legal Update
Changes to the fixed recoverable costs regime
Opinion
R (Willmott) v Eastbourne Council: High Court rules council can deny social housing to disabled ex-tenant over anti-social behaviour
Press Release
Browne Jacobson Ireland LLP rank across Dispute Resolution, Intellectual Property and Technology in the Legal 500 EMEA 2024
