People taking part in hearings are warned that they must behave in their own home as if they were in a court room, as 85% of all court hearings move to video and audio.

Figures released by HM Courts & Tribunals Service (HMCTS) this week show that:

  • On 6 April 2020 around 85% of cases heard in England and Wales used audio and video technology
  • Between 19 March and 6 April 2020, courts and tribunals reported that the use audio in hearings increased from around 100 to around 1850
  • Between 19 March and 6 April 2020, courts and tribunals reported that the use video in hearings increased from around 150 to around 1100

Guidance issued by HMCTS on joining a video or telephone hearing warns appellants that during a hearing, even though they are in their own home, they must follow the same rules as if they were in a court room, including:

  • only drink water
  • no eating
  • no smoking or e-cigarettes
  • make sure the view behind you is blank or neutral
  • If you need to move away from your screen or phone during the hearing, ask permission.
  • If you need to have someone with you who is not a legal representative, you must ask the court’s permission.

Appellants are also warned that: “It’s a criminal offence to record or publish any court hearing without authorisation.”

You can find guidance on taking part in telephone and video hearings here.

You can read the full figures on video and audio hearings here.

Comments

Write comments...
or post as a guest
Loading comment... The comment will be refreshed after 00:00.

Be the first to comment.

Free PIP, ESA & UC Updates!

Delivered Fortnightly

Over 110,000 claimants and professionals subscribe to the UK's leading source of benefits news.

 
iContact
We use cookies

We use cookies on our website. Some of them are essential for the operation of the site, while others help us to improve this site and the user experience (tracking cookies). You can decide for yourself whether you want to allow cookies or not. Please note that if you reject them, you may not be able to use all the functionalities of the site.