Date published: 14th April 2020

As the nationwide lockdown continues, the courts must remain open to keep our justice system functioning. However, court hearings are taking place via video link or over the phone.

For many, this will be a strange and unnatural experience. Yet it is important that they are treated with the same level of severity as those in a courtroom.

We have put together some handy tips for if you have a video link/phone hearing:
  1. It is still a court. The proceedings are serious and should be treated as such.
  2. Please make sure you will not be interrupted – by other phone calls or someone coming into the room, for example.
  3. There must be no background noise (from TV, radio, other people etc.)
  4. The hearing is in private. It is confidential. No-one else must be able to hear what you or anyone else is saying. Headphones are a good idea!
  5. It is a criminal offence to record a court hearing. No-one other than the court may record it.
  6. Please have your microphone on mute unless you are addressing the judge.
  7. Eating and drinking is not allowed, as in a court room.
If it is a video hearing:
  1. Your background and lighting should be appropriate – where possible choose a plain background and make sure your face is properly lit (for example, don’t sit with a light or window behind you).
  2. Please do not move away from your screen without permission.
  3. Leave your camera on at all times.
  4. Please ensure you have a good connection or signal. A bandwidth of 1.5 MBPS is recommended.

Your lawyer will discuss the case with you before and after the hearing. They will explain what will happen and if you are likely to have to say anything.

It is usually not a good idea to say anything that you have not already discussed with your lawyer. You may harm your case if you do.

Please do not interrupt the judge. If the judge wants to hear from you they will say so. Similarly, if you have any questions please ask your lawyer before the case starts.

Though remote court hearings can feel unfamiliar and alien, you aren't alone. If you've got any questions, you can contact us.

Get in touch with us

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