Source · Select Committees · Justice Committee
Recommendation 26
26
Accepted in Part
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.
Government Response Summary
The MoJ will consider what research might be undertaken to provide assurance that the use of remote technologies such as video links does not have any undue adverse impacts on remand hearings and on the rate of custodial remand.
Paragraph Reference:
146
Government Response
Accepted in Part
HM Government
Accepted in Part
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, to the extent that remote technologies are used, we agree we should ensure that the use of these technologies do not result in disparity of outcomes. The MoJ will therefore consider what research might be undertaken to provide assurance that the use of remote technologies such as video links does not have any undue adverse impacts on remand hearings and on the rate of custodial remand.