Source · Select Committees · Justice Committee
Recommendation 14
14
Deferred
Lack of coherence and consistency in remote hearing access for public and media.
Conclusion
Remote hearings are still a relatively new and innovative feature of the justice system in England and Wales. The evidence to our inquiry suggests that there is a problem with a lack of coherence and consistency in relation to the ability of the media and the public to access remote court hearings. (Paragraph 49) Open justice: court reporting in the digital age 53
Government Response Summary
The MoJ will undertake a qualitative review, work with HMCTS’ Media Working Group, and include remote observation in a call for evidence in 2023 to understand its impact and gather feedback, before considering further action.
Government Response
Deferred
HM Government
Deferred
In 2023, the MoJ will undertake a light-touch qualitative review with court and tribunal staff and the judiciary to understand the impact of remote observation on our services. We will complement this by working with HMCTS’ Media Working Group (MWG) to understand whether remote observation has supported court reporting and the wider media, and tease out any teething problems encountered as the legislation beds in. Finally, we will include the remote observation framework in our call for evidence to, to be launched in 2023, to ensure the wider public can also contribute. Depending on the volume and quality of this feedback we will consider publishing our findings and/or writing to the JSC with an update.