Trial By Skype: The Rise Of The Virtual Courtroom

The use of video-conferencing technology is being increasingly used for criminal justice procedures today.

There are a variety of reasons as to why those within the justice system would seek to use this technology and to opt to connect with others via an online conversation, rather than traveling to another destination.

One of the main reasons that this technology has been increasing employed is to lower transportation costs related to the frequent transportation of prisoners to court for their trial proceedings. Aside from lowering costs, it's also seen as a more appealing option for lawyers, who can also choose to video-conference rather than travel to various courtrooms to attend numerous trials and meetings etc. Not only that, but it also is seen as a superior alternative to others who might be involved with a case who either can't travel to a destination, or who are too scared to confront the situation (victims) etc.

Those who are behind the push for more videolinks and videoconferencing etc in court proceedings today, hope that the further modernization of the legal process is going to help to boost efficiency and DE-clog the overwhelmed system; by diminishing delay and making the most out of the legal resources that are available.

However, not everyone is a fan of the process and critics of the video-conferencing say that it might jeopardize a defendants' right to a fair trial.

According to a recent study on the topic, by Transform Justice; a national charity in the UK, the video-conference tactic might undermine trust in the system. More specifically, they warn that the UK government's push for virtual court hearings, might promote a disconnect between the lawyers and their clients during the sentencing process. And a survey of roughly 300 court goers (lawyers, defendants, probation officers etc) found that about 58 percent agreed that this technology makes it more difficult for the defendant to understand the process.

The UK government is allegedly seeking a $1 billion+ program that will modernize their justice system, including promoting the use of videolinks and video-conferencing/online hearings for minor offenses. And they aren't the only ones, courtrooms around the world are looking to use this technology to improve efficiency in their methods.

Though, when the courts go about doing business this way, according to the recent study by Transform Justice, it has the potential to impede those who are seeking justice. This is because the video-conferencing tactic allegedly makes it more difficult for the defendants to understand the process and to hold confidential discussions with their legal representatives. Also, it might place those with a disability at a disadvantage of effectively demonstrating and or communicating that to the court.

At this time, the UK allegedly has no plans for trials to start anytime soon that will involve a defendant who isn't present, though the technology has already been used for various case management and sentencing hearings. They hope that in the near future they'll see a growing number of lawyers opting to use the videolinks and opting to start conducting their business this way.

The report concluded that the new technology promotes the erosion of respect for the criminal justice system in the mind of the defendants. Therefore, is this technology being used within the best interest of the defendant and those seeking true justice? Or is it more for the benefit of the conveyor belt that today's court system has become; at the expense of the defendant?

banner thanks to @son-of-satire

Pics:
via nationalpost.com/news/canada/lawyer-for-accused-hacker-karim-baratov-warns-his-client-faces-a-political-battle
via Daily Mail - dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2187620/Tia-Sharp-latest-Stuart-Hazell-remanded-custody-appears-court-charged-murder.html
Pixabay

Sources:
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/comment/telegraph-view/9544686/We-must-reform-our-justice-system.html
https://www.theguardian.com/law/2016/feb/11/ministry-of-justice-close-86-courts-england-wales
https://www.theguardian.com/law/2017/oct/23/videolinks-in-court-trials-undermine-justice-system-says-report

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