Source · Select Committees · Justice Committee

Recommendation 26

26 Paragraph: 146

Video links' convenience must not compromise defendant access to justice in key hearings.

Conclusion
We recognise that for routine hearings there is a benefit of using video links from prison so a remanded defendant does not have to experience frequent disruption going to and from court. However, the convenience of video technology must not affect a defendant’s access to justice, and should not become a default position because of resource or capacity pressures. It is important that trials and other key hearings continue to be heard physically in court.
Paragraph Reference: 146
Government Response

A response document is linked to this report, dated 31 March 2023. Response attribution to this conclusion has not been verified. Read the response document ↗