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Video justice threatens defendants’ rights and undermines trust in the justice system, according to a report from a national charity that urged the government to delay further expansion until research has assessed its impact.
The research from Transform Justice found that appearing via videolink disadvantaged defendants, particularly those with disabilities or learning difficulties and those who do not speak English as a first language.
The report, Defendants on video – conveyor belt justice or a revolution in access? found that 58% of respondents thought appearing on video made it more difficult for defendants to understand what was going on or participate in hearings.
Seventy per cent said it was difficult to recognise whether someone on video had a disability and 74% said that those without legal representation were disadvantaged by appearing on video.
Transform Justice called for a halt to the expansion of videolink hearings until research has assessed its impact on juries, judges and defendants.
Its director, Penelope Gibbs, said: ‘Our report sounds a warning bell. If video justice disadvantages disabled people and risks undermining trust in the justice system, is it worth forging ahead with trial by Skype?’
A Ministry of Justice spokesperson said: ‘We know video hearings reduce court time, improve public safety and save money for the tax-payer. Videolink technology is used to make the court process easier for vulnerable victims and witnesses.’
Video justice threatens defendants’ rights and undermines trust in the justice system, according to a report from a national charity that urged the government to delay further expansion until research has assessed its impact.
The research from Transform Justice found that appearing via videolink disadvantaged defendants, particularly those with disabilities or learning difficulties and those who do not speak English as a first language.
The report, Defendants on video – conveyor belt justice or a revolution in access? found that 58% of respondents thought appearing on video made it more difficult for defendants to understand what was going on or participate in hearings.
Seventy per cent said it was difficult to recognise whether someone on video had a disability and 74% said that those without legal representation were disadvantaged by appearing on video.
Transform Justice called for a halt to the expansion of videolink hearings until research has assessed its impact on juries, judges and defendants.
Its director, Penelope Gibbs, said: ‘Our report sounds a warning bell. If video justice disadvantages disabled people and risks undermining trust in the justice system, is it worth forging ahead with trial by Skype?’
A Ministry of Justice spokesperson said: ‘We know video hearings reduce court time, improve public safety and save money for the tax-payer. Videolink technology is used to make the court process easier for vulnerable victims and witnesses.’
Far-ranging month for the Chair of the Bar
Endometriosis Awareness North, a charity raising awareness of endometriosis and supporting those affected across the North of England, has received a £500 boost from AlphaBiolabs via the company’s Giving Back initiative
Marie Law, Director of Toxicology at AlphaBiolabs, examines the most recent data on alcohol misuse in the UK, and the implications for alcohol testing in family proceedings
Clement Cowley, Partner at The Penny Group, explains how tailored financial planning can help barristers take control of their finances and plan with confidence
Marie Law, Director of Toxicology at AlphaBiolabs
A £500 donation from AlphaBiolabs has been made to the leading UK charity tackling international parental child abduction and the movement of children across international borders
Seeing the full picture – Baljit Ubhey OBE outlines the CPS action plan to tackle violence against women and girls, offering insights directly relevant to courtroom practice
Heritage as an anchor and a compass, finding our common humanity and embracing the power of the outsider – Melina Antoniadis’s lessons learnt
Is the Judicial Conduct Investigations Office process fit for purpose? Women barristers’ experiences of bullying are not being reported or, if they are, they are not making it through the system, says Tana Adkin KC
Review by Daniel Barnett
Chair of the Bar reports back
