Source · Select Committees · Justice Committee
Recommendation 31
31
Accepted
Paragraph: 110
Evaluate the new remote observation framework considering court resources and transmissions
Recommendation
It is right that judges are in control of the decision as to whether to allow remote observation. In some cases, judges will find these decisions difficult to make. It is crucial therefore that the effect of this new framework is evaluated. The concerns raised by the Lord Chief Justice and the Senior President of Tribunals, in particular in relation to the impact on court resources and the potential for unauthorised transmissions, will need to be followed up by an evaluation of how this new framework is operating in practice.
Government Response Summary
The MoJ will undertake a light-touch qualitative review in 2023, work with HMCTS’ Media Working Group, and include the remote observation framework in a call for evidence, to evaluate the impact and operation of the new framework as recommended.
Paragraph Reference:
110
Government Response
Accepted
HM Government
Accepted
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.